Intelligent automated assistant for media exploration

ABSTRACT

Systems and processes for operating an intelligent automated assistant to explore media items are provided. In one example process, a speech input representing a request for one or more media items is received from a user. The process determines whether the speech input corresponds to a user intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for media items. In response to determining that the speech input corresponds to a user intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for media items, at least one media item is obtained from a user-specific corpus of media items. The user-specific corpus of media items is generate based on data associated with the user. The at least one media item is provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No.62/347,480, filed on Jun. 8, 2016, entitled INTELLIGENT AUTOMATEDASSISTANT FOR MEDIA EXPLORATION, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

This relates generally to intelligent automated assistants and, morespecifically, to intelligent automated assistants for media exploration.

BACKGROUND

Intelligent automated assistants (or digital assistants) can provide abeneficial interface between human users and electronic devices. Suchassistants can allow users to interact with devices or systems usingnatural language in spoken and/or text forms. For example, a user canprovide a speech input containing a user request to a digital assistantoperating on an electronic device. The digital assistant can interpretthe user s intent from the speech input and operationalize the user'sintent into tasks. The tasks can then be performed by executing one ormore services of the electronic device, and a relevant output responsiveto the user request can be returned to the user.

When managing music or other media, a digital assistant can be helpfulin searching for or playing back specific media, particularly in ahands-free environment. In particular, a digital assistant can respondeffectively to a request to play a specific media item, such as an albumor a song identified specifically by title or by artist. However,digital assistants can struggle with discovering relevant media itemsbased on vague open-ended natural language requests, such as, forexample, a request to recommend a song or album.

SUMMARY

Systems and processes for operating an intelligent automated assistantto explore media items are provided. In one example process, a speechinput representing a request for one or more media items is receivedfrom a user. The process determines whether the speech input correspondsto a user intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for mediaitems. In response to determining that the speech input corresponds to auser intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for media items,at least one media item is obtained from a user-specific corpus of mediaitems. The user-specific corpus of media items is generated based ondata associated with the user. The at least one media item is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system and environment forimplementing a digital assistant, according to various examples.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a portable multifunction deviceimplementing the client-side portion of a digital assistant, accordingto various examples.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components for eventhandling, according to various examples.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portable multifunction device implementing theclient-side portion of a digital assistant, according to variousexamples.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary multifunction device with adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface, according to various examples.

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary user interface for a menu ofapplications on a portable multifunction device, according to variousexamples.

FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary user interface for a multifunctiondevice with a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from the display,according to various examples.

FIG. 6A illustrates a personal electronic device, according to variousexamples.

FIG. 6B is a block diagram illustrating a personal electronic device,according to various examples.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram illustrating a digital assistant system or aserver portion thereof, according to various examples.

FIG. 7B illustrates the functions of the digital assistant shown in FIG.7A, according to various examples.

FIG. 7C illustrates a portion of an ontology, according to variousexamples.

FIGS. 8A-C illustrate a process for operating a digital assistant formedia exploration, according to various examples.

FIGS. 9A-B illustrate a user operating a digital assistant for mediaexploration, according to various examples.

FIG. 10 illustrates a user operating a digital assistant for mediaexploration, according to various examples.

FIG. 11 illustrates a user operating a digital assistant for mediaexploration, according to various examples.

FIG. 12 illustrates a functional block diagram of an electronic device,according to various examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of examples, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings in which it is shown by way of illustrationspecific examples that can be practiced. It is to be understood thatother examples can be used and structural changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the various examples.

Conventional techniques for exploring media content using digitalassistants can be generally cumbersome and inefficient. In particular,media-related requests that are in natural language form are, forexample, overly broad or ambiguous, and thus it is difficult toaccurately infer the user's intent that corresponds to the request. Forexample, the media-related request “Play me something good” is vague andopen-ended, and thus with existing techniques, digital assistants mayretrieve media items that are incompatible with the user's preferences,may overwhelm the user with too many media items, or may return nothingat all. This can result in a large number of follow-up interactionsbetween the user and the digital assistant to clarify the user's intent.This can negatively impact user experience. Additionally, a large numberof follow-up interactions is inefficient with respect to energyconsumption of the device. This is consideration is particularlyimportant, for battery-operated devices.

In accordance with some systems, computer-readable media, and processesdescribed herein, media exploration is performed by a digital assistantin a more efficient and accurate manner. In one example process, aspeech input, representing a request for one or more media items isreceived from a user. The process determines whether the speech inputcorresponds to a user intent of obtaining personalized recommendationsfor media items. In response to determining that the speech inputcorresponds to a user intent of obtaining personalized recommendationsfor media items, at least one media item is obtained from auser-specific corpus of media items. The at least one media item isobtained using a user-specific media ranking model. The user-specificcorpus of media items and the user-specific media ranking model aregenerated based on data associated with the user. The at least one mediaitem is then provided to the user. By using a user-specific corpus ofmedia items and a user-specific media ranking model to obtain the atleast one media item, the likelihood that the at least one media itemmatches the preferences of the user increases. As a result, media itemsthat are more relevant to the user are recommended, which increases theefficiency and usefulness of the digital assistant.

Although the following description uses terms “first,” “second,” etc. todescribe various elements, these elements should not be limited by theterms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element fromanother. For example, a first input could be termed a second input, and,similarly, a second input could be termed a first input, withoutdeparting from the scope of the various described examples. The firstinput and the second input are both inputs and in some cases, areseparate and different inputs.

The terminology used in the description of the various describedexamples herein is for the purpose of describing particular examplesonly and is not intended to he limiting. As used in the description ofthe various described examples and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms aswell, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also beunderstood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to andencompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms“includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in responseto determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context.Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated conditionor event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or“in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition orevent]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],”depending on the context.

1. System and Environment

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of system 100 according to variousexamples. In some examples, system 100 implements a digital assistant.The terms “digital assistant,” “virtual assistant,” “intelligentautomated assistant,” or “automatic digital assistant” refer to anyinformation processing system that interprets natural language input inspoken and/or textual form to infer user intent, and performs actionsbased on the inferred user intent. For example, to act on an inferreduser intent, the system performs one or more of the following:identifying a task flow with steps and parameters designed to accomplishthe inferred user intent, inputting specific requirements from theinferred user intent into the task flow; executing the task flow byinvoking programs, methods, services, APIs, or the like; and generatingoutput responses to the user in an audible (e.g., speech) and/or visualform.

Specifically, a digital assistant is capable of accepting a user requestat least partially in the form of a natural language command, request,statement, narrative, and/or inquiry. Typically, the user request seekseither an informational answer or performance of a task by the digitalassistant. A satisfactory response to the user request includes aprovision of the requested informational answer, a performance of therequested task, or a combination of the two. For example, a user asksthe digital assistant a question, such as “Where am I right now?” Basedon the user's current location, the digital assistant answers, “You arein Central Park near the west gate.” The user also requests theperformance of a task, for example, “Please invite my friends to mygirlfriend's birthday party next week.” In response, the digitalassistant can acknowledge the request by saying “Yes, right away,” andthen send a suitable calendar invite on behalf of the user to each ofthe user's friends listed in the user's electronic address book. Duringperformance of a requested task, the digital assistant sometimesinteracts with the user in a continuous dialogue involving multipleexchanges of information over an extended period of time. There arenumerous other ways of interacting with a digital assistant to requestinformation or performance of various tasks. In addition to providingverbal responses and taking programmed actions, the digital assistantalso provides responses in other visual or audio forms, e.g., as text,alerts, music, videos, animations, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, in some examples, a digital assistant is implementedaccording to a client-server model. The digital assistant includesclient-side portion 102 (hereafter “DA client 102”) executed on userdevice 104 and server-side portion 106 ( hereafter “DA server 106”)executed on server system 108. DA client 102 communicates with DA server106 through one or more networks 110. DA client 102 provides client-sidefunctionalities such as user-facing input and output processing andcommunication with DA server 106. DA server 106 provides server-sidefunctionalities for any number of DA clients 102 each residing on arespective user device 104.

In some examples. DA server 106 includes client-facing I/O interface112, one or more processing modules 114, data and models 116, and I/Ointerface to external services 118. The client-facing I/O interface 112facilitates the client-facing input and output processing for DA server106. One or more processing modules 114 utilize data and models 116 toprocess speech input and determine the user's intent based on naturallanguage input. Further, one or more processing modules 114 perform taskexecution based on inferred user intent. In some examples, DA server 106communicates with external services 120 (e.g., media service(s) 120-1,navigation service(s) 120-2, messaging service(s) 120-3, informationservice(s) 120-4, calendar service 120-5, telephony service 120-6, etc.)through network(s) 110 for task completion or information acquisition.I/O interface to external services 118 facilitates such communications.

In particular, DA server 106 communicates to media service(s) to performtasks that include searching for and obtaining media items. Mediaservice(s) 120-1 is implemented, for example, on one or more remotemedia servers and is configured to provide media items, such as songs,albums, playlists, videos, or the like. For example, media service(s)includes media streaming services, such as Apple Music or iTunes Radio™(services of Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.). Media service(s) 120-1is configured to receive a media search query (e.g., from DA server 106)and in response, provide one or more media items that satisfy the mediasearch queries. Specifically, in accordance with the media search query,one or more corpuses of media items rue searched to identify one or moremedia items and the identified one or more media items are provided.Further, media service(s) are configured to provide media informationassociated with media items, such as the names of artists associatedwith specific media items, the release dates of specific media items, orthe lyrics of specific media items.

Media service(s) 120-1 include various corpuses of media items. Thecorpuses of media items include a plurality of user-specific corpuses ofmedia items. Each user-specific corpus of media items is generated basedon media-related data associated with a respective user. Themedia-related data includes, for example, user input indicating mediaitems that were previously viewed, selected, requested, acquired, orrejected by the user. Additionally, the media-related data includes themedia items found in the personal library of media items associated withthe user. Thus, the media items contained in each user-specific corpusof media items reflect the media preferences of the respective user. Insome examples, each user-specific corpus of media items is identifiedand accessed based on user information, such as user log-in informationand/or user password information. In some examples, the corpuses ofmedia items in media service(s) 120-1 further include one or more secondcorpuses of media items generated based on the release dates of themedia items. For example, the one or more second corpuses of media itemsonly contain media items having release dates that are within apredetermined time range from the current date.

In some examples, each media item in the corpuses of media itemsincludes metadata that indicates one or more media parameters. The mediaparameters include, for example, {title}, {artist}, {subgenre}, {releasedate}, {mood}, {occasion}, {editorial list}, {political preference},{technical proficiency}, or the like. Media items in the corpuses ofmedia items are thus searched and retrieved based on the mediaparameters indicated in the metadata of the media items. Additionaldescription regarding media parameters associated with media items isprovided below with reference to FIGS. 8A-C.

User device 104 can be any suitable electronic device. In some examples,user device is a portable multifunctional device (e.g., device 200,described below with reference to FIG. 2A), a multifunctional device(e.g., device 400, described below with reference to FIG. 4), or apersonal electronic device (e.g., device 600, described below withreference to FIG. 6A-B.) A portable multifunctional device is, forexample, a mobile telephone that also contains other functions, such asPDA and/or music player functions. Specific examples of portablemultifunction devices include the iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad®devices from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Other examples of portablemultifunction devices include, without limitation, laptop or tabletcomputers. Further, in some examples, user device 104 is a non-portablemultifunctional device. In particular, user device 104 is a desktopcomputer, a game console, a television, or a television set-top box. Insome examples, user device 104 includes a touch-sensitive surface (e.g.,touch screen displays and/or touchpads). Further, user device 104optionally includes one or more other physical user-interface devices,such as a physical keyboard, a mouse, and/or a joystick. Variousexamples of electronic devices, such as multifunctional devices, aredescribed below in greater detail.

Examples of communication network(s) 110 include local area networks(LAN) and wide area networks (WAN), e.g., the internet. Communicationnetwork(s) 110 is implemented using any known network protocol,including various wired or wireless protocols, such as, for example.Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), FIREWIRE, Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), codedivision multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA),Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, or anyother suitable communication protocol.

Server system 108 is implemented on one or more standalone dataprocessing apparatus or a distributed network of computers. In someexamples, server system 108 also employs various virtual devices and/orservices of third-party service providers (e.g., third-party cloudservice providers) to provide the underlying computing resources and/orinfrastructure resources of server system 108.

In some examples, user device 104 communicates with DA server 106 viasecond user device 122. Second user device 122 is similar or identicalto user device 104. For example, second user device 122 is similar todevices 200, 400, or 600 described below with reference to FIGS. 2A, 4,and 6A-B. User device 104 is configured to communicatively couple tosecond user device 122 via a direct communication connection, such asBluetooth, NFC, BTLE, or the like, or via a wired or wireless network,such as a local Wi-Fi network. In some examples, second user device 122is configured to act as a proxy between user device 104 and DA server106. For example, DA client 102 of user device 104 is configured totransmit information (e.g., a user request received at user device 104)to DA server 106 via second user device 122. DA server 106 processes theinformation and return relevant data (e.g., data content responsive tothe user request) to user device 104 via second user device 122.

In some examples, user device 104 is configured to communicateabbreviated requests for data to second user device 122 to reduce theamount of information transmitted from user device 104. Second userdevice 122 is configured to determine supplemental information to add tothe abbreviated request to generate a complete request to transmit to DAserver 106. This system architecture can advantageously allow userdevice 104 having limited communication capabilities and/or limitedbattery power (e.g., a watch or a similar compact electronic device) toaccess services provided by DA server 106 by using second user device122, having greater communication capabilities and/or battery power(e.g., a mobile phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, or the like),as a proxy to DA server 106. While only two user devices 104 and 122 areshown in FIG. 1, it should be appreciated that system 100, in someexamples, includes any number and type of user devices configured inthis proxy configuration to communicate with DA server system 106.

Although the digital assistant shown in FIG. 1 includes both aclient-side portion (e.g., DA client 102) and a server-side portion(e.g., DA server 106), in some examples, the functions of a digitalassistant are implemented as a standalone application installed on auser device. In addition, the divisions of functionalities between theclient and server portions of the digital assistant cart vary indifferent implementations. For instance, in some examples, the DA clientis a thin-client that provides only user-facing input and outputprocessing functions, and delegates all other functionalities of thedigital assistant to a backend server.

2. Electronic Devices

Attention is now directed toward embodiments of electronic devices forimplementing the client-side portion of a digital assistant. FIG. 2A isa block diagram illustrating portable multifunction device 200 withtouch-sensitive display system 212 in accordance with some embodiments.Touch-sensitive display 212 is sometimes called a “touch screen” forconvenience and is sometimes known as or called a “touch-sensitivedisplay system.” Device 200 includes memory 202 (which optionallyincludes one or more computer-readable storage mediums), memorycontroller 222, one or more processing units (CPUs) 220, peripheralsinterface 218, RF circuitry 208, audio circuitry 210, speaker 211,microphone 213, input/output (I/O) subsystem 206, other input controldevices 216, and external port 224. Device 200 optionally includes oneor more optical sensors 264. Device 200 optionally includes one or morecontact intensity sensors 265 for delecting intensity of contacts ondevice 200 (e.g., a touch-sensitive surface such as touch-sensitivedisplay system 212 of device 200). Device 200 optionally includes one ormom tactile output generators 26 for generating tactile outputs ondevice 200 (e.g., generating tactile outputs on a touch-sensitivesurface such as touch-sensitive display system 212 of device 200 ortouchpad 455 of device 400). These components optionally communicateover one or mom communication buses or signal lines 203.

As used in the specification and claims, the term “intensity” of acontact on a touch-sensitive surface refers to the force or pressure(force per unit area) of a contact (e.g., a finger contact) on thetouch-sensitive surface, or to a substitute (proxy) for the force orpressure of a contact on the touch-sensitive surface. The intensity of acontact has a range of values that includes at least four distinctvalues and more typically includes hundreds of distinct values (e.g., atleast 256). Intensity of a contact is, optionally, determined (ormeasured) using various approaches and various sensors or combinationsof sensors. For example, one or more force sensors underneath oradjacent to the touch-sensitive surface are, optionally, used to measureforce at various points on the touch-sensitive surface, in someimplementations, force measurements from multiple force sensors arecombined (e.g., a weighted average) to determine an estimated force of acontact. Similarly, a pressure-sensitive tip of a stylus is, optionally,used to determine a pressure of the stylus on the touch-sensitivesurface. Alternatively, the size of the contact area detected on thetouch-sensitive surface and/or changes thereto, the capacitance of thetouch-sensitive surface proximate to the contact and/or changes thereto,and/or the resistance of the touch-sensitive surface proximate to thecontact and/or changes thereto are, optionally, used as a substitute forthe force or pressure of the contact on the touch-sensitive surface, insome implementations, the substitute measurements for contact force orpressure ate used directly to determine whether an intensity thresholdhas been exceeded (e.g., the intensity threshold is described in unitscorresponding to the substitute measurements). In some implementations,the substitute measurements for contact force or pressure are convertedto an estimated force or pressure, and the estimated force or pressureis used to determine whether an intensity threshold has been exceeded(e.g., the intensity threshold is a pressure threshold measured in unitsof pressure). Using the intensity of a contact as an attribute of a userinput allows for user access to additional device functionality that mayotherwise not be accessible by the user on a reduced-size device withlimited real estate for displaying affordances (e.g., on atouch-sensitive display) and/or receiving user input (e.g., via atouch-sensitive display, a touch-sensitive surface, or aphysical/mechanical control such as a knob or a button ).

As used in the specification and claims, the term “tactile output”refers to physical displacement of a device relative to a previousposition of the device, physical displacement of a component (e.g., atouch-sensitive surface) of a device relative to another component(e.g., housing) of the device, or displacement of the component relativeto a center of mass of the device that will be detected by a user withthe user's sense of touch. For example, in situations where the deviceor the component of the device is in contact with a surface of a userthat is sensitive to touch (e.g., a finger, palm, or other part of auser's hand), the tactile output generated by the physical displacementwill be interpreted by the user as a tactile sensation corresponding toa perceived change in physical characteristics of the device or thecomponent of the device. For example, movement of a touch-sensitivesurface (e.g., a touch-sensitive display or trackpad) is, optionally,interpreted by the user as a “down click” or “up click” of a physicalactuator button. In some cases, a user will feel a tactile sensationsuch as an “down click” or “up click” even when there is no movement ofa physical actuator button associated with the touch-sensitive surfacethat is physically pressed (e.g., displaced) by the user's movements. Asanother example, movement of the touch-sensitive surface is, optionally,interpreted or sensed by the user as “roughness” of the touch-sensitivesurface, even when there is no change in smoothness of thetouch-sensitive surface. While such interpretations of touch by a userwill be subject to the individualized sensory perceptions of the user,there are many sensors perceptions of touch that are common to a largemajority of users. Thus, when a tactile output is described ascorresponding to a particular sensory perception of a user (e.g., an “upclick,” a “down click,” “roughness”), unless otherwise stated, thegenerated tactile output corresponds to physical displacement of thedevice or a component thereof that will generate the described sensoryperception for a typical (or average) user.

It should be appreciated that device 200 is only one example of aportable multifunction device, and that device 200 optionally has mom orfewer components than shown, optionally combines two or more components,or optionally has a different configuration or arrangement of thecomponents. The various components shown in FIG. 2A are implemented inhardware, software, or a combination of both hardware and software,including one or more signal processing and/or application specificintegrated circuits.

Memory 202 includes one or mote computer-readable storage mediums. Thecomputer-readable storage mediums are, for example, tangible andnon-transitory. Memory 202 includes high-speed random access memory andalso includes non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic diskstorage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-statememory devices. Memory controller 222 controls access to memory 202 byother components of device 200.

In some examples, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium ofmemory 202 is used to store instructions (e.g., for performing aspectsof processes described below) for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computerbased system, processor-containing system, or other system that canfetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus,or device and execute the instructions. In other examples, theinstructions (e.g., for performing aspects of the processes describedbelow) am stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium(not shown) of the server system 108 or are divided between thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of memory 202 and thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of server system 108.

Peripherals interface 218 is used to couple input and output peripheralsof the device to CPU 220 and memory 202. The one or more processors 220am or execute various software programs and/or sets of instructionsstored in memory 202 to perform various functions for device 200 and toprocess data. In some embodiments, peripherals interface 218. CPU 220,and memory controller 222 are implemented on a single chip, such as chip204. In some other embodiments, they are implemented on separate chips.

RF (radio frequency) circuitry 208 receives and sends RF signals, alsocalled electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 208 converts electricalsignals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates withcommunications networks and other communications devices via theelectromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 208 optionally includes well-knowncircuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited toan antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner,one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, asubscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RFcircuitry 208 optionally communicates with networks, such as theInternet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranetand/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, awireless local area network (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network(MAN), and other devices by wireless communication. The RF circuitry 208optionally includes well-known circuitry for detecting near fieldcommunication (NFC) fields, such as by a short-range communicationradio. The wireless communication optionally uses any of a plurality ofcommunications standards, protocols, and technologies, including but notlimited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Enhanced DataGSM Environment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA),high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), Evolution, Data-Only (EV-DO),HSPA, HSPA+, Dual-Cell HSPA (DC-HSPDA), long term evolution (LTE), nearfield communication (NFC), wideband code division multiple access(W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multipleaccess (TDMA). Bluetooth. Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), Wireless Fidelity(Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n,and/or IEEE 802.11ac), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, aprotocol fore mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/orpost office protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensiblemessaging and presence protocol (XMPP). Session Initiation Protocol forInstant Messaging and Presence leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE). InstantMessaging and Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service(SMS), or any other suitable communication protocol, includingcommunication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of thisdocument.

Audio circuitry 210, speaker 211, and microphone 213 provide an audiointerface between a user and device 200. Audio circuitry 210 receivesaudio data from peripherals interface 218, converts the audio data to anelectrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker 211.Speaker 211 converts the electrical signal to human-audible sound waves.Audio circuitry 210 also receives electrical signals converted bymicrophone 213 from sound waves. Audio circuitry 210 converts theelectrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data toperipherals interface 218 for processing. Audio data are retrieved fromand/or transmitted to memory 202 and/or RE circuitry 208 by peripheralsinterface 218. In some embodiments, audio circuitry 210 also includes aheadset jack (e.g., 312, FIG. 3). The headset jack provides an interfacebetween audio circuitry 210 and removable audio input/outputperipherals, such as output-only headphones or a headset with bothoutput (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input (e.g., amicrophone).

I/O subsystem 206 couples input/output peripherals on device 200, suchas touch screen 212 and other input control devices 216, to peripheralsinterface 218. I/O subsystem 206 Optionally includes display controller256, optical sensor controller 258, intensity sensor controller 259,haptic feedback controller 261, and one or more input controllers 260for other input or control devices. The one or more input controllers260 receive/send electrical signals from/to other input control devices216. The other input control devices 216 optionally include physicalbuttons (e.g., push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, sliderswitches, joysticks, click wheels, and so forth. In some alternateembodiments, input controllers) 260 are, optionally, coupled to any (ornone) of the following: a keyboard, an infrared port, a USB port, and apointer device such as a mouse. The one or more buttons (e.g., 308. FIG.3) optionally include an up/down button for volume control of speaker211 and/or microphone 213. The one or more buttons optionally include apush button (e.g., 306, FIG. 3).

A quick press of the push button disengages a lock of touch screen 212or begin a process that uses gestures on the touch screen to unlock thedevice, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/322.549,“Unlocking a Device by Performing Gestures on an Unlock Image,” filedDec. 23, 2005, U.S. Pat. No. 7,657,849, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. A longer press of the push button (e.g., 306)turns power to device 200 on or off. The user is able to customize afunctionality of one or more of the buttons. Touch screen 212 is used toimplement virtual or soft buttons and one or more soft keyboards.

Touch sensitive display 212 provides an input interface and an outputinterface between the device and a user. Display controller 256 receivesand/or sends electrical signals from/to touch screen 212. Touch screen212 displays visual output to the user. The visual output includesgraphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof (collectivelytermed “graphics”). In some embodiments, some or all of the visualoutput correspond to user-interface objects.

Touch screen 212 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor, or set ofsensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic and/or tactilecontact. Touch screen 212 and display controller 256 (along with anyassociated modules and/or sets of instructions in memory 202) detectcontact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on touch screen212 and convert the detected contact into interaction withuser-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages,or images) that are displayed on touch screen 212. In an exemplaryembodiment, a point of contact between touch screen 212 and (lie usercorresponds to a finger of the user.

Touch screen 212 uses LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, LPD(light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED (light emittingdiode) technology, although other display technologies may be used inother embodiments. Touch screen 212 and display controller 256 detectcontact and any movement or breaking thereof using any of a plurality oftouch sensing technologies now known or later developed, including butnot limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acousticwave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or otherelements for determining one or more points of contact with touch screen212. In an exemplary embodiment, projected mutual capacitance sensingtechnology is used, such as that found in the iPhone® and iPod Touch®from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.

A touch-sensitive display in some embodiments of touch screen 212 isanalogous to the multi-touch sensitive touchpads described in thefollowing U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,323,846 (Westerman et ah), 6,570,557(Westerman et ah), and/or 6,677,932 (Westerman), and/or U.S. PatentPublication 2002/0015024A1, each of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. However, touch screen 212 displays visualoutput from device 200, whereas touch-sensitive touchpads do not providevisual output.

A touch-sensitive display in some embodiments of touch screen 212 is asdescribed in the following applications: (1) U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/381.313, “Multipoint Touch Surface Controller,” filed May2,2006; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/840,862, “MultipointTouchscreen,” filed May 6, 2004; (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/903,964, “Gestures For Touch Sensitive Input Devices,” filed Jul. 30,2004; (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/048,264, “Gestures ForTouch Sensitive Input Devices,” filed Jan. 31, 2005; (5) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/038,590, “Mode-Based Graphical User InterfacesFor Touch Sensitive Input Devices,” filed Jan. 18, 2005; (6) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/228,758. “Virtual Input Device Placement On ATouch Screen User Interface,” filed Sep. 16, 2005; (7) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/228.700. “Operation Of A Computer With A TouchScreen Interface,” filed Sep. 16, 2005; (8) U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/228,737. “Activating Virtual Keys Of A Touch-Screen VirtualKeyboard,” filed Sep. 16, 2005; and (9) U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/367,749, “Multi-Functional Hand-Held Device,” filed Mar. 3, 2006. Allof these applications are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

Touch screen 212 has, for example, a video resolution in excess of 100dpi. In some embodiments, the touch screen has a video resolution ofapproximately 160 dpi. The user makes contact with touch screen 212using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, a finger, andso forth. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to workprimarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which can be lessprecise than stylus-based input due to the larger area of contact of afinger on the touch screen, in some embodiments, the device translatesthe rough finger-based input into a precise pointer/cursor position orcommand for performing the actions desired by the user.

In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, device 200includes a touchpad (not shown) for activating or deactivatingparticular functions. In some embodiments, the touchpad is atouch-sensitive area of the device that, unlike the touch screen, doesnot display visual output. The touchpad is a touch-sensitive surfacethat is separate from much screen 212 or an extension of thetouch-sensitive surface formed by the touch screen.

Device 200 also includes power system 262 for powering the variouscomponents. Power system 262 includes a power management system, one ormore power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), arecharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a power converteror inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode(LED)) and any other components associated with the generation,management and distribution of power in portable devices.

Device 200 also includes one or more optical sensors 264. PIG. 2A showsan optical sensor coupled to optical sensor controller 258 in I/Osubsystem 206. Optical sensor 264 includes charge-coupled device (CCD)or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistors.Optical sensor 264 receives light from the environment, projectedthrough one or more lenses, and converts the light to data representingan image. In conjunction with imaging module 243 (also called a cameramodule), optical sensor 264 captures still images or video. In someembodiments, an optical sensor is located on the back of device 200,opposite touch screen display 212 on the front of the device so that thetouch screen display is used as a viewfinder for still and/or videoimage acquisition. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is located onthe front of the device so that the user's image is obtained for videoconferencing while the user views the other video conferenceparticipants on the touch screen display. In some embodiments, theposition of optical sensor 264 can be changed by the user (e.g., byrotating the lens and the sensor in the device housing) so that a singleoptical sensor 264 is used along with the touch screen display for bothvideo conferencing and still and/or video image acquisition.

Device 200 optionally also includes one or more contact intensitysensors 265. FIG. 2A shows a contact intensity sensor coupled tointensity sensor controller 259 in I/O subsystem 206. Contact intensitysensor 265 optionally includes one or more piezoresistive strain gauges,capacitive force sensors, electric force sensors, piezoelectric forcesensors, optical force sensors, capacitive touch-sensitive surfaces, orother intensity sensors (e.g., sensors used to measure the force (orpressure) of a contact on a touch-sensitive surface). Contact intensitysensor 265 receives contact intensity information (e.g., pressureinformation or a proxy for pressure information) from the environment.In some embodiments, at least one contact intensity sensor is collocatedwith, or proximate to, a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., touch-sensitivedisplay system 212). In some embodiments, at least one contact intensitysensor is located on the back of device 200, opposite touch screendisplay 212, which is located on the front of device 200.

Device 200 also includes one or more proximity sensors 266. FIG. 2Ashows proximity sensor 266 coupled to peripherals interface 218.Alternately, proximity sensor 266 is coupled to input controller 260 inI/O subsystem 206. Proximity sensor 266 is performed as described inU.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/241,839, “Proximity Detector InHandheld Device”; 11/240,788, “Proximity Detector In Handheld Device”:11/620,702, “Using Ambient Light Sensor To Augment Proximity SensorOutput”; 11/586,862, “Automated Response To And Sensing Of User ActivityIn Portable Devices”; and 11/638,251, “Methods And Systems For AutomaticConfiguration Of Peripherals,” which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the proximity sensorturns off and disables touch screen 212 when the multifunction device isplaced near the user's car (e.g., when the user is making a phone call).

Device 200 optionally also includes one or more tactile outputgenerators 267. FIG. 2A shows a tactile output generator coupled tohaptic feedback controller 261 in I/O subsystem 206. Tactile outputgenerator 267 optionally includes one or more electroacoustic devicessuch as speakers or other audio components and/or electromechanicaldevices that convert energy into linear motion such as a motor,solenoid, electroactive polymer, piezoelectric actuator. electrostaticactuator, or other tactile output generating component (e.g., acomponent that converts electrical signals into tactile outputs on thedevice). Contact intensity sensor 265 receives tactile feedbackgeneration instructions from haptic feedback module 233 and generatestactile outputs on device 200 that are capable of being sensed by a userof device 200. In some embodiments, at least one tactile outputgenerator is collocated with, or proximate to, a touch-sensitive surface(e.g., touch-sensitive display system 212) and, optionally, generates atactile output by moving the touch-sensitive surface vertically (e.g.,in/out of a surface of device 200) or laterally (e.g., back and forth inthe same plane as a surface of device 200). In some embodiments, atleast one tactile output generator sensor is located on the back ofdevice 200, opposite touch screen display 212, which is located on thefrom of device 200.

Device 200 also includes one or more accelerometers 268. FIG. 2A showsaccelerometer 268 coupled to peripherals interface 218. Alternately,accelerometer 268 is coupled to an input controller 260 in I/O subsystem206. Accelerometer 268 performs, for example, as described in U.S.Patent Publication No. 20050190059. “Acceleration-based Theft DetectionSystem for Portable Electronic Devices,” and U.S. Patent Publication No.20069017692. “Methods And Apparatuses For Operating A Portable DeviceBased On An Accelerometer” both of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety. In some embodiments, information is displayedon the touch screen display in a portrait view or a landscape view basedon an analysis of data received from the one or more accelerometers.Device 200 optionally includes, in addition to accelerometer(s) 268, amagnetometer (not shown) and a GPS (or GLONASS or other globalnavigation system) receiver (not shown) for obtaining informationconcerning the location and orientation (e.g., portrait or landscape) ofdevice 200.

In some embodiments, the soft ware components stored in memory 202include operating system 226, communication module (or set ofinstructions) 228, contact/motion module (or set of instructions) 230,graphics module (or set of instructions) 232, text input module (or setof instructions) 234. Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set ofinstructions) 235, Digital Assistant Client Module 229, and applications(or sets of instructions) 236. Further, memory 202 stoics data andmodels, such as user data and models 231. Furthermore, in someembodiments, memory 202 (FIG. 2A) or 470 (FIG. 4) stores device/globalinternal state 257, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 4. Device/global internalstate 257 includes one or more of: active application state, indicatingwhich applications, if any, are currently active; display state,indicating what applications, views or other information occupy variousregions of touch screen display 212: sensor state, including informationobtained from the device's various sensors and input control devices216; and location information concerning the device's location and/orattitude.

Operating system 226 (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, iOS,WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includesvarious software components and/or drivers for controlling and managinggeneral system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control,power management, etc.) and facilitates communication between varioushardware and software components.

Communication module 228 facilitates communication with other devicesover one or more external ports 224 and also includes various softwarecomponents for handling data received by RF circuitry 208 and/orexternal port 224. External port 224 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB).FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devices orindirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). Insome embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin)connector that is the same as, or similar to and/or compatible with, the30-pin connector used on iPod® (trademark of Apple Inc.) devices.

Contact/motion module 230 optionally detects contact with touch screen212 (in conjunction with display controller 256) and othertouch-sensitive devices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel).Contact/motion module 230 includes various software components forperforming various operations related to detection of contact, such asdetermining if contact has occurred (e.g., detecting a finger-downevent), determining an intensity of the contact (e.g., the force orpressure of the contact or a substitute for the force or pressure of thecontact), determining if there is movement of the contact and trackingthe movement across the touch-sensitive surface (e.g., detecting one ormore finger-dragging events), and determining if the contact has ceased(e.g., detecting a finger-up event or a break in contact).Contact/motion module 230 receives contact data from the touch sensitivesurface. Determining movement of the point of contact, which isrepresented by a series of contact data, optionally includes determiningspeed (magnitude), velocity (magnitude and direction), and/or anacceleration (a change in magnitude and/or direction) of the point ofcontact. These operations are, optionally, applied to single contacts(e.g., one finger contacts) or to multiple simultaneous contacts (e.g.,“multitouch”/multiple finger contacts). In some embodiments,contact/motion module 230 and display controller 256 detect contact on atouchpad.

In some embodiments, contact/motion module 230 uses a set of one or moreintensity thresholds to determine whether an operation has beenperformed by a user (e.g., to determine whether a user has “clicked” onan icon). In some embodiments, at least a subset of the intensitythresholds are determined in accordance with software parameters (e.g.,the intensity thresholds are not determined by the activation thresholdsof particular physical actuators and can be adjusted without changingthe physical hardware of device 200). For example, a mouse “click”threshold of a trackpad or touch screen display can be set to any of alarge range of predefined threshold values without changing the trackpador touch screen display hardware. Additionally, in some implementations,a user of the device is provided with software settings for adjustingone or more of the set of intensity thresholds (e.g., by adjustingindividual intensity thresholds and/or by adjusting a plurality ofintensity thresholds at once with a system-level click “intensity”parameter).

Contact/motion module 230 optionally detects a gesture input by a user.Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have different contactpatterns (e.g., different motions, timings, and/or intensities ofdetected contacts). Thus, a gesture is, optionally, detected bydetecting a particular contact pattern. For example, detecting a fingertap gesture includes detecting a finger-down event followed by detectinga finger-up (liftoff) event at the same position (or substantially thesame position) as the finger-down event (e.g., at the position of anicon). As another example, detecting a finger swipe gesture on thetouch-sensitive surface includes detecting a finger down event followedby detecting one or more finger-dragging events, and subsequentlyfollowed by detecting a finger-up (liftoff) event.

Graphics module 232 includes various known software components forrendering and displaying graphics on touch screen 212 or other display,including components for changing the visual impact (e.g., brightness,transparency, saturation, contrast, or other visual property) ofgraphics that are displayed. As used herein, the term “graphics”includes any object that can be displayed to a user, including, withoutlimitation, text, web pages, icons (such as user-interface objectsincluding soft keys), digital images, videos, animations, and the like.

In some embodiments, graphics module 232 stores data representinggraphics to be used. Each graphic is, optionally, assigned acorresponding code. Graphics module 232 receives, from applicationsetc., one or more codes specifying graphics to be displayed along with,if necessary, coordinate data and other graphic property data, and thengenerates screen image data to output to display controller 256.

Haptic feedback module 233 includes various software components forgenerating instructions used by tactile output generator(s) 267 toproduce tactile outputs at one or more locations on device 200 inresponse to user interactions with device 200.

Text input module 234, which is, in some examples, a component ofgraphics module 232, provides soft keyboards for entering text invarious applications (e.g., contacts 237, email 240, IM 241, browser247, and any other application that needs text input).

GPS module 235 determines the location of the device and provides thisinformation for use in various applications (e.g., to telephone 238 foruse in location-based dialing; to camera 243 as picture/video metadata;and to applications that provide location-based services such as weatherwidgets, local yellow page widgets, and map/navigation widgets).

Digital assistant client module 229 includes various client-side digitalassistant instructions to provide the client-side functionalities of thedigital assistant. For example, digital assistant client module 229 iscapable of accepting voice input (e.g., speech input), text input, touchinput, and/or gestural input through various user interfaces (e.g.,microphone 213, accelerometer(s) 268, touch-sensitive display system212, optical sensor(s) 229, other input control devices 216, etc.) ofportable multifunction device 200. Digital assistant client module 229is also capable of providing output in audio (e.g., speech output),visual, and/or tactile forms through various output interfaces (e.g.,speaker 211, touch-sensitive display system 212, tactile outputgenerators) 267, etc.) of portable multifunction device 200. Forexample, output is provided as voice, sound, alerts, text messages,menus, graphics, videos, animations, vibrations, and/or combinations oftwo or more of the above. During operation, digital assistant clientmodule 229 communicates with DA server 106 using RF circuitry 208.

User data and models 231 include various data associated with the user(e.g., user-specific vocabulary data, user preference data, userspecified name pronunciations, data from the user's electronic addressbook, to-do lists, shopping lists, etc.) to provide the client-sidefunctionalities of the digital assistant. Further, user data and models231 include various models (e.g., speech recognition models, statisticallanguage models, natural language processing models, ontology, task flowmodels, service models, etc.) for processing user input and determininguser intent.

In some examples, digital assistant client module 229 utilizes thevarious sensors, subsystems, and peripheral devices of portablemultifunction device 200 to gather additional information from thesurrounding environment of the portable multifunction device 200 toestablish a context associated with a user, the current userinteraction, and/or the current user input. In some examples, digitalassistant client module 229 provides the contextual information or asubset thereof with the user input to DA server 106 to help infer theuser's intent. In some examples, the digital assistant also uses thecontextual information to determine how to prepare and deliver outputsto the user. Contextual information is referred to as context data.

In some examples, the contextual information that accompanies the userinput includes sensor information, e.g., lighting, ambient noise,ambient temperature, images or videos of the surrounding environment,etc. In some examples, the contextual information can also includes thephysical state of the device, e.g., device orientation, device location,device temperature, power level, speed, acceleration, motion patterns,cellular signals strength, etc. In some examples, information related tothe software state of DA server 106, e.g., running processes, installedprograms, past and present network activities, background services,error logs, resources usage, etc., and of portable multifunction device200 is provided to DA server 106 as contextual information associatedwith a user input.

In some examples, the digital assistant client module 229 selectivelyprovides information (e.g., user data 231) stored on the portablemultifunction device 200 in response to requests from DA server 106. Insome examples, digital assistant client module 229 also elicitsadditional input from the user via a natural language dialogue or otheruser interfaces upon request by DA server 106. Digital assistant, clientmodule 229 passes the additional input to DA server 106 to help DAserver 106 in intent deduction and/or fulfillment of the user's intentexpressed in the user request.

A more detailed description of a digital assistant is described belowwith reference to FIGS. 7A-C. It should be recognized that digitalassistant client module 229 can include any number of the sub-modules ofdigital assistant module 726 described below.

Applications 236 include the following modules (or sets ofinstructions), or a subset or superset thereof:

-   -   Contacts module 237 (sometimes called an address book or contact        list);    -   Telephone module 238;    -   Video conference module 239;    -   E-mail client module 240;    -   Instant messaging (IM) module 241;    -   Workout, support module 242;    -   Camera module 243 for still and/or video images;    -   Image management module 244;    -   Video player module:    -   Music player module;    -   Browser module 247;    -   Calendar module 248;    -   Widget modules 249, which includes, in some examples, one or        more of: weather widget 249-1, stocks widget 249-2, calculator        widget 249-3, alarm clock widget 249-4, dictionary widget 249-5,        and other widgets obtained by the user, as well as user-created        widgets 249-6;    -   Widget creator module 250 for making user-created widgets 249-6;    -   Search module 251;    -   Video and music player module 252, which merges video player        module and music player module;    -   Notes module 253;    -   Map module 254; and/or    -   Online video module 255.

Examples of other applications 236 that are stored in memory 202 includeother word processing applications, other image editing applications,drawing applications, presentation applications, JAVA-enabledapplications, encryption, digital rights management, voice recognition,and voice replication.

In conjunction with touch screen 212, display controller 256,contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, and text input module234, contacts module 237 are used to manage an address book or contactlist (e.g., stored in application internal state 292 of contacts module237 in memory 202 or memory 470), including: adding name(s) to theaddress book; deleting name(s) from the address book; associatingtelephone number(s), e-mail address(es), physical address(es) or otherinformation with a name; associating an image with a name; categorizingand sorting names; providing telephone numbers or e-mail addresses toinitiate and/or facilitate communications by telephone 238, videoconference module 239, e-mail 240, or IM 241; and so forth.

In conjunction with RE circuitry 208, audio circuitry 210, speaker 211,microphone 213, touch screen 212, display controller 256, contact/motionmodule 230, graphics module 232, and text input module 234, telephonemodule 238 are used to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to atelephone number, access one or more telephone numbers in contactsmodule 237, modify a telephone number that has been entered, dial arespective telephone number, conduct a conversation, and disconnect orhang up when the conversation is completed. As noted above, the wirelesscommunication uses any of a plurality of communications standards,protocols, and technologies.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 208, audio circuitry 210, speaker 211,microphone 213, touch screen 212, display controller 256, optical sensor264, optical sensor controller 258, contact/motion module 230, graphicsmodule 232, text input module 234, contacts module 237, and telephonemodule 238, video conference module 239 includes executable instructionsto initiate, conduct, and terminate a video conference between a userand one or more other participants in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 208, touch screen 212, displaycontroller 256, contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, and textinput module 234, e-mail client module 240 includes executableinstructions to create, send, receive, and manage e-mail in response touser instructions. In conjunction with image management module 244,e-mail client module 240 makes it very easy to create and send e-mailswith still or video images taken with camera module 243.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 208, touch scram 212, displaycontroller 256, contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, and textinput module 234, the instant messaging module 241 includes executableinstructions to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to artinstant message, to modify previously entered characters, to transmit arespective instant message (for example, using a Short Message Service(SMS) or Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol for telephony-basedinstant messages or using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS for Internet-basedinstant messages), to receive instant messages, and to view receivedinstant messages. In some embodiments, transmitted and/or receivedinstant messages include graphics, photos, audio files, video filesand/or other attachments as are supported in an MMS and/or an EnhancedMessaging Service (EMS). As used herein, “instant messaging” refers toboth telephony-based messages (e.g., messages sent using SMS or MMS) andInternet-based messages (e.g., messages sent using XMPP, SIMPLE, orIMPS).

In conjunction with RF circuitry 208, touch screen 212, displaycontroller 256, contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, textinput module 234, GPS module 235, map module 254, and music playermodule, workout support module 242 includes executable instructions tocreate workouts (e.g., with time, distance, and/or calorie burninggoals); communicate with workout sensors (sports devices); receiveworkout sensor data; calibrate sensors used to monitor a workout; selectand play music for a workout; and display, store, and transmit workoutdata.

In conjunction with touch screen 212, display controller 256, opticalsensor(s) 264, optical sensor controller 258, contact/motion module 230,graphics module 232, and image management module 244, camera module 243includes executable instructions to capture still images or video(including a video stream) and store them into memory 202, modifycharacteristics of a still image or video, or delete a still image orvideo from memory 202.

In conjunction with touch screen 212, display controller 256,contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, text input module 234,and camera module 243, image management module 244 includes executableinstructions to arrange, modify (e.g., edit), or otherwise manipulate,label, delete, present (e.g., in a digital slide show or album), andstore still and/or video images.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 208, touch screen 212, displaycontroller 256, contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, and textinput module 234, browser module 247 includes executable instructions tobrowse the Internet in accordance with user instructions, includingsearching, linking to, receiving, and displaying web pages or portionsthereof, as well as attachments and other files linked to web pages.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 208, touch screen 212, displaycontroller 256, contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, textinput module 234, e-mail client module 240, and browser module 247,calendar module 248 includes executable instructions to create, display,modify, and store calendars and data associated with calendars (e.g.,calendar entries, to-do lists, etc.) in accordance with userinstructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 208, touch screen 212, displaycontroller 256, contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, textinput module 234, and browser module 247, widget modules 249 are miniapplications that can be downloaded and used by a user (e.g., weatherwidget 249-1, stocks widget 249-2, calculator widget 249-3, alarm clockwidget 249-4, and dictionary widget 249-5) or created by the user (e.g.,user-created widget 249-6). In some embodiments, a widget includes anHTML (Hypertext Markup language) file, a CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)file, and a JavaScript file. In some embodiments, a widget includes anXML (Extensible Markup Language) file and a JavaScript, file (e.g.,Yahoo! Widgets).

In conjunction with RF circuitry 208, touch screen 212, displaycontroller 256, contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, textinput module 234, and browser module 247, the widget creator module 250are used by a user to create widgets (e.g., turning a user-specifiedportion of a web page into a widget).

In conjunction with touch screen 212, display controller 256,contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, and text input module234, search module 251 includes executable instructions to search fortext, music, sound, image, video, and/or other files in memory 202 thatmatch one or more search criteria (e.g., one or more user-specifiedsearch terms) in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with touch screen 212, display controller 256,contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, audio circuitry 210,speaker 211, RF circuitry 208, and browser module 247, video and musicplayer module 252 includes executable instructions that allow the userto download and play back recorded music and other sound files stored inone or more file formats, such as MP3 or AAC files, and executableinstructions to display, present, or otherwise play back videos (e.g.,on touch screen 212 or on an external, connected display via externalport 224). In some embodiments, device 200 optionally includes thefunctionality of an MP3 player, such as an iPod (trademark of AppleInc.).

In conjunction with touch screen 212, display controller 256,contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, and text input module234, notes module 253 includes executable instructions to create andmanage notes, to-do lists, and the like in accordance with userinstructions.

In conjunction with RF circuitry 208, touch screen 212, displaycontroller 256, contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, textinput module 234, GPS module 235, and browser module 247, map module 254are used to receive, display, modify, and store maps and data associatedwith maps (e.g., driving directions, data on stores and other points ofinterest at or near a particular location, and other location-baseddata) in accordance with user instructions.

In conjunction with touch screen 212, display controller 256,contact/motion module 230, graphics module 232, audio circuitry 210,speaker 211, RF circuitry 208, text input module 234, e-mail clientmodule 240, and browser module 247, online video module 255 includesinstructions that allow the user to access, browse, receive (e.g., bystreaming and/or download), play back (e.g., on the touch screen or onan external, connected display via external port 224), send an e-mailwith a link to a particular online video, and otherwise manage onlinevideos in one or more file formats, such as H.264. In some embodiments,instant messaging module 241, rather than e-mail client module 240, isused to send a link to a particular online video. Additional descriptionof the online video application can be found in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/936,562, “Portable Multifunction Device, Method, andGraphical User Interface for Playing Online Videos,” filed Jun. 20,2007, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/968.067. “PortableMultifunction Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface for PlayingOnline Videos,” filed Dec. 31. 2007, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

Each of the above-identified modules and applications corresponds to aset of executable instructions for performing one or more functionsdescribed above and the methods described in this application (e.g., thecomputer-implemented methods and other information processing methodsdescribed herein). These modules (e.g., sets of instructions) need notbe implemented as separate software programs, procedures, or modules,and thus various subsets of these modules can be combined or otherwiserearranged in various embodiments. For example. video player module canbe combined with music player module into a single module (e.g., videoand music player module 252, FIG. 2 A). In some embodiments, memory 202stores a subset of the modules and data structures identified above.Furthermore, memory 202 stores additional modules and data structuresnot described above.

In some embodiments, device 200 is a device where operation of apredefined set of functions on the device is performed exclusivelythrough a touch screen and/or a touchpad. By using a touch screen and/ora touchpad as the primary input control device for operation of device200, the number of physical input control devices (such as push buttons,dials, and the like) on device 200 is reduced.

The predefined set of functions that are performed exclusively through atouch screen and/or a touchpad optionally include navigation betweenuser interfaces. In some embodiments, the touchpad, when touched by theuser, navigates device 200 to a main, home, or root menu from any userinterface that is displayed on device 200. In such embodiments, a “menubutton” is implemented using a touchpad. In some other embodiments, themenu button is a physical push button or other physical input controldevice instead of a touchpad.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components for eventhandling in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments,memory 202 (FIG. 2A) or 470 (FIG. 4) includes event sorter 270 (e.g., inoperating system 226) and a respective application 236-1 (e.g., any ofthe aforementioned applications 237-251, 255, 480-490).

Event sorter 270 receives event information and determines theapplication 236-1 and application view 291 of application 236-1 to whichto deliver the event information. Event sorter 270 includes eventmonitor 271 and event dispatcher module 274. In some embodiments,application 236-1 includes application internal state 292, whichindicates the current application view(s) displayed on touch-sensitivedisplay 212 when the application is active or executing. In someembodiments, device/global internal state 257 is used by event sorter270 to determine which application(s) is (are) currently active, andapplication internal state 292 is used by event sorter 270 to determineapplication views 291 to which to deliver event information.

In some embodiments, application internal state 292 includes additionalinformation, such as one or more of: resume information to be used whenapplication 236-1 resumes execution, user interface state informationthat indicates information being displayed or that is ready for displayby application 236-1, a state queue for enabling the user to go back toa prior state or view of application 236-1, and a redo/undo queue ofprevious actions taken by the user.

Event monitor 271 receives event information from peripherals interface218. Event information includes information about a sub-event (e.g., auser touch on touch-sensitive display 212, as part of a multi-touchgesture). Peripherals interface 218 transmits information it receivesfrom I/O subsystem 206 or a sensor, such as proximity sensor 266,accelerometer(s) 268, and/or microphone 213 (through audio circuitry210). Information that peripherals interface 218 receives from I/Osubsystem 206 includes information from touch-sensitive display 212 or atouch-sensitive surface.

In some embodiments, event monitor 271 sends requests to the peripheralsinterface 218 at predetermined intervals. In response, peripheralsinterface 218 transmits event information. In other embodiments,peripherals interface 218 transmits event information only when there isa significant event (e.g., receiving an input above a predeterminednoise threshold and/or for more than a predetermined duration).

In some embodiments, event sorter 270 also includes a hit viewdetermination module 272 and/or an active event recognizer determinationmodule 273.

Hit view determination module 272 provides software procedures fordetermining where a sub-event has taken place within one or more viewswhen touch-sensitive display 212 displays more than one view. Views aremade up of controls and other elements that a user can see on thedisplay.

Another aspect of the user interface associated with an application is aset of views, sometimes herein called application views or userinterface windows in which information is displayed and touch-basedgestures occur. The application views (of a respective application) inwhich a touch is detected correspond to programmatic levels within aprogrammatic or view hierarchy of the application. For example, thelowest level view in which a touch is detected is called the hit view,and the set of events that are recognized as proper inputs is determinedbased, at least in part, on the hit view of the initial touch thatbegins a touch-based gesture.

Hit view determination module 272 receives information related to subevents of a touch based gesture. When an application has multiple viewsorganized in a hierarchy, hit view determination module 272 identifies ahit view as the lowest view in the hierarchy which should handle thesub-event. In most circumstances, the hit view is the lowest level viewin which an initiating sub-event occurs (e.g., the first sub-event inthe sequence of sub-events that form an event or potential event). Oncethe hit view is identified by the hit view determination module 272, thehit view typically receives all sub-events related to the same touch orinput source for which it was identified as the hit view.

Active event recognizer determination module 273 determines which viewor views within a view hierarchy should receive a particular sequence ofsub-events. In some embodiments, active event recognizer determinationmodule 273 determines that only the hit view should receive a particularsequence of sub-events. In other embodiments, active event recognizerdetermination module 273 determines that all views that include thephysical location of a sub-event are actively involved views, andtherefore determines that all actively involved views should receive aparticular sequence of sub-events. In other embodiments, even if touchsub-events were entirely confined to the area associated with oneparticular view, views higher in the hierarchy would still remain asactively involved views.

Event dispatcher module 274 dispatches the event information to an eventrecognizer (e.g., event recognizer 280). In embodiments including activeevent recognizer determination module 273, event dispatcher module 274delivers the event information to an event recognizer determined byactive event recognizer determination module 273. In some embodiments,event dispatcher module 274 stores in an event queue the eventinformation, which is retrieved by a respective event receiver 282.

In some embodiments, operating system 226 includes event sorter 270.Alternatively, application 236-1 includes event sorter 270. In yet otherembodiments, event sorter 270 is a stand-alone module, or a part ofanother module stored in memory 202, such as contact/motion module 230.

In some embodiments, application 236-1 includes a plurality of eventhandlers 290 and one or more application views 291, each of whichincludes instructions for handling touch events that occur within arespective view of the application's user interface. Each applicationview 291 of the application 236-1 includes one or more event recognizers280. Typically, a respective application view 291 includes a pluralityof event recognizers 280. In other embodiments, one or more of eventrecognizers 280 are part of a separate module, such as a user interfacekit (not shown) or a higher level object from which application 236-1inherits methods and other properties. In some embodiments, a respectiveevent handler 290 Includes one or more of: data updater 276, objectupdater 277, GUI updater 278, and/or event data 279 received from eventsorter 270. Event handler 290 utilizes or calls data updater 276, objectupdater 277, or GUI updater 278 to update the application internal state292. Alternatively, one or more of the application views 291 include oneor more respective event handlers 290. Also, in some embodiments, one ormore of data updater 276, object updater 277, and GUI updater 278 areincluded in a respective application view 291.

A respective event recognizer 280 receives event information (e.g.,event data 279) from event sorter 270 and identifies an event from theevent information. Event recognizer 280 includes event receiver 282 andevent comparator 284. In some embodiments, event recognizer 280 alsoincludes at least a subset of: metadata 283, and event deliveryinstructions 288 (which include sub-event delivery instructions).

Event receiver 282 receives event information from event sorter 270. Theevent information includes information about a sub-event, for example, atouch or a touch movement. Depending on the sub-event, the eventinformation also includes additional information, such as location ofthe sub-event. When the sub-event concerns motion of a touch, the eventinformation also includes speed and direction of the sub-event. In someembodiments, events include rotation of the device from one orientationto another (e.g., from a portrait orientation to a landscapeorientation, or vice versa), and the event information includescorresponding information about the current orientation (also calleddevice altitude) of the device.

Event comparator 284 compares the event information to predefined eventor sub-event definitions and, based on the comparison, determines anevent or sub event, or determines or updates the state of an event orsub event. In some embodiments, event comparator 284 includes eventdefinitions 286. Event definitions 286 contain definitions of events(e.g., predefined sequences of sub-events), for example, event 1(287-1), event 2 (287-2), and others. In some embodiments, sub-events inan event (287) include, for example, touch begin, touch end, touchmovement, touch cancellation, and multiple touching. In one example, thedefinition for event 1 (287-1) is a double tap on a displayed object.The double tap, for example, comprises a first touch (touch begin) onthe displayed object for a predetermined phase, a first liftoff (touchend) for a predetermined phase, a second touch (touch begin) on thedisplayed object for a predetermined phase, and a second liftoff (touchend) for a predetermined phase. In another example, the definition forevent 2 (287-2) is a dragging on a displayed object. The dragging, forexample, comprises a touch (or contact) on the displayed object for apredetermined phase, a movement of the touch across touch-sensitivedisplay 212, and liftoff of the touch (touch end). In some embodiments,the event also includes information for one or more associated eventhandlers 290.

In some embodiments, event definition 287 includes a definition of anevent for a respective user-interface object. In some embodiments, eventcomparator 284 performs a hit test to determine which user-interfaceobject is associated with a sub-event. For example, in an applicationview in which three user-interface objects are displayed ontouch-sensitive display 212, when a touch is detected on touch-sensitivedisplay 212, event comparator 284 performs a hit test to determine whichof the three user-interface objects is associated with the touch(sub-event). If each displayed object is associated with a respectiveevent handler 290, the event comparator uses the result of the hit testto determine which event handler 290 should be activated. For example,event comparator 284 selects an event handler associated with thesub-event and the object triggering the hit test.

In some embodiments, the definition for a respective event (287) alsoincludes delayed actions that delay delivery of the event informationuntil after it has been determined whether the sequence of sub-eventsdoes or does not correspond to the event recognizer's event type.

When a respective event recognizer 280 determines that the series ofsub-events do not match any of the events in event definitions 286, therespective event recognizer 280 enters an event impossible, eventfailed, or event ended state, after which it disregards subsequentsub-events of the touch-based gesture. In this situation, other eventrecognizers, if any, that remain active for the hit view continue totrack and process sub-events of an ongoing touch-based gesture.

In some embodiments, a respective event recognizer 280 includes metadata283 with configurable properties, flags, and/or lists that indicate howthe event delivery system should perform sub-event delivery to activelyinvolved event recognizers. In some embodiments, metadata 283 includesconfigurable properties, flags, and/or lists (hat indicate how eventrecognizers interact, or are enabled to interact, with one another. Insome embodiments, metadata 283 includes configurable properties, flags,and/or lists that indicate whether sub-events ate delivered to varyinglevels in the view or programmatic hierarchy.

In some embodiments, a respective event recognizer 280 activates eventhandler 290 associated with an event when one or more particularsub-events of an event are recognized. In some embodiments, a respectiveevent recognizer 280 delivers event information associated with theevent to event handler 290. Activating an event handler 290 is distinctfrom sending (and deferred sending) sub-events to a respective hit,view. In some embodiments, event recognizer 280 throws a flag associatedwith the recognized event, and event handler 290 associated with theflag catches the flag and performs a predefined process.

In some embodiments, event delivery instructions 288 include sub-eventdelivery instructions that deliver event information about a sub-eventwithout activating an event handler. Instead, the sub-event deliveryinstructions deliver event information to event handlers associated withthe series of sub-events or to actively involved views. Event handlersassociated with the series of sub-events or with actively involved viewsreceive the event information and perform a predetermined process.

In some embodiments, data updater 276 creates and updates data used inapplication 236-1. For example, data updater 276 updates the telephonenumber used in contacts module 237, or stores a video file used in videoplayer module. In some embodiments, object updater 277 creates andupdates objects used in application 236 -1. For example, object updater277 creates a new user-interface object or updates the position of auser-interface object. GUI updater 278 updates the GUI. For example. GUIupdater 278 prepares display information and sends it to graphics module232 for display on a touch-sensitive display.

In some embodiments, event handler(s) 290 includes or has access to dataupdater 276, object updater 277, and GUI updater 278. In someembodiments, data updater 276, object updater 277, and GUI updater 278are included in a single module of a respective application 236-1 orapplication view 291. In other embodiments, they are included in two ormore software modules.

It shall be understood that the foregoing discussion regarding eventhandling of user touches on touch-sensitive displays also applies toother forms of user inputs to operate multifunction devices 200 withinput devices, not all of which are initialed on touch screens. Forexample, mouse movement and mouse button presses, optionally coordinatedwith single or multiple keyboard presses or holds; contact movementssuch as taps, drags, scrolls, etc. on touchpads; pen stylus inputs:movement of the device: oral instructions: detected eye movements;biometric inputs; and/or any combination thereof are optionally utilizedas inputs corresponding to sub events which define an event to berecognized.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portable multifunction device 200 having a touchscreen 212 in accordance with some embodiments. The touch screenoptionally displays one or more graphics within user interface (UI) 300.In this embodiment, as well as others described below, a user is enabledto select one or more of the graphics by making a gesture on thegraphics, for example, with one or more fingers 302 (not drawn to scalein the figure) or one or more styluses 303 (not drawn to scale in thefigure). In some embodiments, selection of one or more graphics occurswhen the user breaks contact with the one or more graphics. In someembodiments, the gesture optionally includes one or more taps, one ormore swipes (from left to right, right to left, upward and/or downward),and/or a rolling of a finger (from right to left, left to right, upwardand/or downward) that has made contact with device 200. In someimplementations or circumstances, inadvertent contact with a graphicdoes not select the graphic. For example, a swipe gesture that sweepsover an application icon optionally docs not select the correspondingapplication when the gesture corresponding to selection is a tap.

Device 200 also includes one or more physical buttons, such as “home” ormenu button 304. As described previously, menu button 304 is used tonavigate to any application 236 in a set of applications that isexecuted on device 200. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the menubutton is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed on touch screen212.

In one embodiment, device 200 includes touch screen 212, menu button304, push button 306 for powering the device on/off and locking thedevice, volume adjustment button(s) 308, subscriber identity module(SIM) card slot 310, headset jack 312, and docking/charging externalport 224. Push button 306 is, optionally, used to turn the power on/offon the device by depressing the button and holding the button in thedepressed state for a predefined time interval; to lock the device bydepressing the button and releasing the button before the predefinedtime interval has elapsed; and/or to unlock the device or initiate anunlock process. In an alternative embodiment, device 200 also acceptsverbal input for activation or deactivation of some functions throughmicrophone 213. Device 200 also, optionally, includes one or morecontact intensity sensors 265 for detecting intensity of contacts ontouch screen 212 and/or one or more tactile output generators 26 forgenerating tactile outputs for a user of device 200.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary multifunction device with adisplay and a touch-sensitive surface in accordance with someembodiments. Device 400 need not be portable. In some embodiments,device 400 is a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer,a multimedia player device, a navigation device, an educational device(such as a child's learning toy), a gaming system, or a control device(e.g., a home or industrial controller). Device 400 typically includesone or more processing units (CPUs) 410, one or more network or othercommunications interfaces 460, memory 470, and one or more communicationbuses 420 for interconnecting these components. Communication buses 420optionally include circuitry (sometimes called a chipset) thatinterconnects and controls communications between system components.Device 400 includes input/output (I/O) interface 430 comprising display440, which is typically a touch screen display. I/O interlace 430 alsooptionally includes a keyboard and/or mouse (or other pointing device)450 and touchpad 455, tactile output generator 457 for generatingtactile outputs on device 400 (e.g., similar to tactile outputgenerators) 267 described above with reference to FIG. 2 A), sensors 459(e.g., optical, acceleration, proximity, touch-sensitive, and/or contactintensity sensors similar to contact intensity sensor(s) 265 describedabove with reference to FIG. 2A). Memory 470 includes high-speed randomaccess memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solidstate memory devices; and optionally includes non-volatile memory, suchas one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storagedevices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid stale storagedevices. Memory 470 optionally includes one or more storage devicesremotely located from CPU(s) 410. In some embodiments, memory 470 storesprograms, modules, and data structures analogous to the programs,modules, and data structures stored in memory 202 of portablemultifunction device 200 (FIG. 2A), or a subset thereof. Furthermore,memory 470 optionally stoics additional programs, modules, and datastructures not present in memory 202 of portable multifunction device200. For example, memory 470 of device 400 optionally stores drawingmodule 480, presentation module 482, word processing module 484, websitecreation module 486, disk authoring module 488, and/or spreadsheetmodule 490, while memory 202 of portable multifunction device 200 (FIG.2 A) optionally docs not store these modules.

Each of the above-identified elements in FIG. 4 is, in some examples,stored in one or more of the previously mentioned memory devices. Eachof the above identified modules corresponds to a set of instructions forperforming a function described above. The above-identified modules orprograms (e.g., sets of instructions) need not be implemented asseparate software programs, procedures, or modules, and thus varioussubsets of these modules are combined or otherwise rearranged in variousembodiments. In some embodiments, memory 470 stores a subset of themodules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, memory 470stores additional modules and data structures not described above.

Attention is now directed towards embodiments of user interfaces thatcan be implemented on, for example, portable multifunction device 200.

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary user interface for a menu ofapplications on portable multifunction device 200 in accordance withsome embodiments. Similar user interfaces are implemented on device 400.In some embodiments, user interface 500 includes the following elements,or a subset or superset thereof:

Signal strength indicator(s) 502 for wireless communication(s), such ascellular and Wi-Fi signals:

-   -   Time 504;    -   Bluetooth indicator 505;    -   Battery status indicator 506:    -   Tray 508 with icons for frequently used applications, such as:        -   Icon 516 for telephone module 238, labeled “Phone,” which            optionally includes an indicator 514 of the number of missed            calls or voicemail messages;        -   Icon 518 for e-mail client module 240, labeled “Mail,” which            optionally includes an indicator 510 of the number of unread            e-mails;        -   Icon 520 for browser module 247, labeled “Browser,” and        -   Icon 522 for video and music player module 252, also            referred to as iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.) module 252,            labeled “iPod;” and    -   Icons for other applications, such as:        -   Icon 524 for IM module 241, labeled “Messages;”        -   Icon 526 for calendar module 248, labeled “Calendar;”        -   Icon 528 for image management module 244, labeled “Photos;”        -   Icon 530 for camera module 243, labeled “Camera;”        -   Icon 532 for online video module 255, labeled “Online            Video;”        -   Icon 534 for stocks widget 249-2, labeled “Stocks;”        -   Icon 536 for map module 254, labeled “Maps;”        -   Icon 538 for weather widget 249-1, labeled “Weather;”        -   Icon 540 for alarm clock widget 249-4, labeled “Clock;”        -   Icon 542 for workout support module 242, labeled “Workout            Support;”        -   Icon 544 for notes module 253, labeled “Notes;” and        -   Icon 546 for a settings application or module, labeled            “Settings,” which provides access to settings for device 200            and its various applications 236.

It should be noted that the icon labels illustrated in FIG. 5A aremerely exemplary. For example, icon 522 for video and music playermodule 252 is optionally labeled “Music” or “Music Player.” Other labelsare, optionally, used for various application icons. In someembodiments, a label for a respective application icon includes a nameof an application corresponding to the respective application icon. Insome embodiments, a label for a particular application icon is distinctfrom a name of an application corresponding to the particularapplication icon.

FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary user interface on a device (e.g.,device 400, FIG. 4) with a touch -sensitive surface 551 (e.g., a tabletor touchpad 455, FIG. 4) that is separate from the display 550 (e.g.,touch screen display 212). Device 400 also, optionally, includes one ormore contact intensity sensors (e.g., one or more of sensors 457) fordetecting, intensity of contacts on touch-sensitive surface 551 and/orone or more tactile output generators 459 for generating tactile outputsfor a user of device 400.

Although some of the examples which follow will be given with referenceto inputs on touch screen display 212 (where the touch-sensitive surfaceand the display are combined), in some embodiments, the device detectsinputs on a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from the display,as shown in FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive surface(e.g., 551 in FIG. 5B) has a primary axis (e.g., 552 in FIG. 5B) thatcorresponds to a primary axis (e.g., 553 in FIG. 5B) on the display(e.g., 550). In accordance with these embodiments, the device detectscontacts (e.g., 560 and 562 in FIG. 5B) with the touch-sensitive surface551 at locations that correspond to respective locations on the display(e.g., in FIG. 5B, 560 corresponds to 568 and 562 corresponds to 570).In this way, user inputs (e.g., contacts 560 and 562, and movementsthereof) detected by the device on the touch-sensitive surface (e.g.,551 in FIG. 5B) are used by the device to manipulate the user interfaceon the display (e.g., 550 in FIG. 5B) of the multifunction device whenthe touch-sensitive surface is separate from the display. It should beunderstood that similar methods are, optionally, used for other userinterfaces described herein.

Additionally, while the following examples are given primarily withreference to finger inputs (e.g., finger contacts, finger tap gestures,finger swipe gestures), it should be understood that, in someembodiments, one or more of the finger inputs are replaced with inputfrom another input device (e.g., a mouse-based input or stylus input).For example, a swipe gesture is, optionally, replaced with a mouse click(e.g., instead of a contact) followed by movement of the cursor alongthe path of the swipe (e.g., instead of movement of the contact). Asanother example, a tap gesture is, optionally, replaced with a mouseclick while the cursor is located over the location of the tap gesture(e.g., instead of detection of the contact followed by ceasing to detectthe contact). Similarly, when multiple user inputs are simultaneouslydetected, it should be understood that multiple computer mice are,optionally, used simultaneously, or a mouse: and finger contacts are,optionally, used simultaneously.

FIG. 6A illustrates exemplary personal electronic device 600. Device 600includes body 602. In some embodiments, device 600 includes some or allof the features described with respect to devices 200 and 400 (e.g.,FIGS. 2A-4B). In some embodiments, device 600 has touch-sensitivedisplay screen 604, hereafter touch screen 604. Alternatively, or inaddition to touch screen 604, device 600 has a display and atouch-sensitive surface. As with devices 200 and 400, in someembodiments, touch screen 604 (or the touch-sensitive surface) has oneor more intensity sensors for detecting intensity of contacts (e.g.,touches) being applied. The one or more intensity sensors of touchscreen 604 (or the touch-sensitive surface) provide output data thatrepresents the intensity of touches. The user interface of device 600responds to touches based on their intensity, meaning that touches ofdifferent intensities can invoke different user interface operations ondevice 600.

Techniques for detecting and processing touch intensity are found, forexample, in related applications: International Patent ApplicationSerial No. PCT/US2013/040061, tilled “Device, Method, and Graphical UserInterface for Displaying User Interface Objects Corresponding to anApplication,” filed May 8, 2013, and International Patent ApplicationSerial No. PCT/US2013/069483, titled “Device. Method, and Graphical UserInterface for Transitioning Between Touch Input to Display OutputRelationships,” filed Nov. 11, 2013, each of which is herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, device 600 has one or more input mechanisms 606 and608. Input mechanisms 606 and 608, if included, are physical. Examplesof physical input mechanisms include push buttons and rotatablemechanisms. In some embodiments, device 600 has one or more attachmentmechanisms. Such attachment mechanisms, if included, can permitattachment of device 600 with, for example, hats, eyewear, earrings,necklaces, shirts, jackets, bracelets, watch straps, chains, trousers,belts, shoes, purses, backpacks, and so forth. These attachmentmechanisms permit device 600 to be worn by a user.

FIG. 6B depicts exemplary personal electronic device 600. In someembodiments, device 600 includes some or all of the components describedwith respect to FIGS. 2A. 2B, and 4. Device 6(H) has bus 612 thatoperatively couples I/O section 614 with one or more computer processors616 and memory 618. I/O section 614 is connected to display 604, whichcan have touch-sensitive component 622 and, optionally, touch-intensitysensitive component 624. In addition, I/O section 614 is connected withcommunication unit 630 for receiving application and operating systemdata, using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), cellular,and/or other wireless communication techniques. Device 600 includesinput mechanisms 606 and/or 608. Input mechanism 606 is a rotatableinput device or a depressible and rotatable input device, for example.Input mechanism 608 is a button, in some examples.

Input mechanism 608 is a microphone, in some examples. Personalelectronic device 600 includes, for example, various sensors, such asGPS sensor 632, accelerometer 634, directional sensor 640 (e.g.,compass), gyroscope 636, motion sensor 638, and/or a combinationthereof, all of which are operatively connected to I/O section 614.

Memory 618 of personal electronic device 600 is a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium, for storing computer-executableinstructions, which, when executed by one or more computer processors616, for example, cause the computer processors to perform thetechniques and processes described below. The computer-executableinstructions, for example, are also stored and/or transported within anynon-transitory computer-readable storage medium for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device,such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or othersystem that can fetch the instructions from the instruction executionsystem, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. Personalelectronic device 600 is not limited to the components and configurationof FIG. 6B, but can include other or additional components in multipleconfigurations.

As used here, the term “affordance” refers to a user-interactivegraphical user interface object that is, for example, displayed on thedisplay screen of devices 200, 400, and/or 600 (FIGS. 2, 4, and 6). Forexample, an image (e.g., icon), a button, and text (e.g., hyperlink)each constitutes an affordance.

As used herein, the term “focus selector” refers to an input elementthat indicates a current part of a user interface with which a user isinteracting. In some implementations that include a cursor or otherlocation marker, the cursor acts as a “locus selector” so that when aninput (e.g., a press input) is detected on a touch-sensitive surface(e.g., touchpad 455 in FIG. 4 or touch-sensitive surface 551 in FIG. 5B)while the cursor is over a particular user interface element (e.g., abutton, window, slider or other user interface element), the particularuser interface element is adjusted in accordance with the detectedinput. In some implementations that include a touch screen display(e.g., touch-sensitive display system 212 in FIG. 2A or touch screen 212in FIG. 5A) that enables direct interaction with user interface elementson the touch screen display, a detected contact on the touch screen actsas a “focus selector” so that when an input (e.g., a press input by thecontact) is detected on the touch screen display at a location of aparticular user interface element (e.g., a button, window, slider, orother user interface element), the particular user interface element isadjusted in accordance with the detected input. In some implementations,focus is moved from one region of a user interface to another region ofthe user interface without corresponding movement of a cursor ormovement of a contact on a touch screen display (e.g., by using a tabkey or arrow keys to move focus from one button to another button); inthese implementations, the focus selector moves in accordance withmovement of focus between different regions of the user interface.Without regard to the specific form taken by the focus selector, thefocus selector is generally the user interface clement (or contact on atouch screen display) that is controlled by the user so as tocommunicate the user's intended interaction with the user interface(e.g., by indicating, to the device, the element of the user interfacewith which the user is intending to interact). For example, the locationof a focus selector (e.g., a cursor, a contact, or a selection box) overa respective button while a press input is detected on thetouch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touchpad or touch screen) will indicatethat the user is intending to activate the respective button (as opposedto other user interface elements shown on a display of the device).

As used in the specification and claims, the term “characteristicintensity” of a contact refers to a characteristic of the contact basedon one or more intensities of the contact. In some embodiments, thecharacteristic intensity is based on multiple intensity samples. Thecharacteristic intensity is, optionally, based on a predefined number ofintensity samples, or a set of intensity samples collected during apredetermined time period (e.g., 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10seconds) relative to a predefined event (e.g., after detecting thecontact, prior to detecting liftoff of the contact, before or afterdetecting a start of movement of the contact, prior to detecting an endof the contact, before or after detecting an increase in intensity ofthe contact, and/or before or after detecting a decrease in intensity ofthe contact). A characteristic intensity of a contact is, optionallybased on one or more of: a maximum value of the intensities of thecontact, a mean value of the intensities of the contact, an averagevalue of the intensities of the contact, a top 10 percentile value ofthe intensities of the contact, a value at the half maximum of theintensities of the contact, a value at the 90 percent maximum of theintensities of the contact, or the like. In some embodiments, theduration of the contact is used in determining the characteristicintensity (e.g., when the characteristic intensity is an average of theintensity of the contact over time), in some embodiments, thecharacteristic intensity is compared to a set of one or more intensitythresholds to determine whether an operation has been performed by auser. For example, the set of one or more intensity thresholds includesa first intensity threshold and a second intensify threshold. In thisexample, a contact with a characteristic intensity that does not exceedthe first threshold results in a first operation, a contact with acharacteristic intensity that exceeds the first intensity threshold anddoes not exceed the second intensity threshold results in a secondoperation, and a contact with a characteristic intensity that exceedsthe second threshold results in a third operation. In some embodiments,a comparison between the characteristic intensity and one or morethresholds is used to determine whether or not to perform one or moreoperations (e.g., whether to perform a respective operation or forgoperforming the respective operation) rather than being used to determinewhether to perform a first operation or a second operation.

In some embodiments, a portion of a gesture is identified for purposesof determining a characteristic intensity. For example, atouch-sensitive surface receives a continuous swipe contacttransitioning from a start location and reaching an end location, atwhich point the intensity of the contact increases. In this example, thecharacteristic intensity of the contact at the end location is based ononly a portion of the continuous swipe contact, and not the entire swipecontact (e.g., only the portion of the swipe contact at the endlocation). In some embodiments, a smoothing algorithm is applied to theintensities of the swipe contact prior to determining the characteristicintensity of the contact. For example, the smoothing algorithmoptionally includes one or more of: an unweighted sliding-averagesmoothing algorithm, a triangular smoothing algorithm, a median filtersmoothing algorithm, and/or an exponential smoothing algorithm. In somecircumstances, these smoothing algorithms eliminate narrow spikes ordips in the intensities of the swipe contact for purposes of determininga characteristic intensity.

The intensity of a contact on the touch-sensitive surface ischaracterized relative to one or more intensity thresholds, such as acontact-detection intensity threshold, a light press intensitythreshold, a deep press intensity threshold, and/or one or more otherintensity thresholds. In some embodiments, the light press intensitythreshold corresponds to an intensity at which the device will performoperations typically associated with clicking a button of a physicalmouse or a trackpad. In some embodiments, the deep press intensitythreshold corresponds to an intensity at which the device will performoperations that are different from operations typically associated withclicking a button of a physical mouse or a trackpad. In someembodiments, when a contact is detected with a characteristic intensitybelow the light press intensity threshold (e.g., and above a nominalcontact-detection intensity threshold below which the contact is nolonger detected), the device will move a focus selector in accordancewith movement of the contact on the touch sensitive surface withoutperforming an operation associated with the light press intensitythreshold or the deep press intensity threshold. Generally, unlessotherwise stated, these intensity thresholds are consistent betweendifferent sets of user interface figures.

An increase of characteristic intensity of the contact from an intensitybelow the light press intensity threshold to an intensity between thelight press intensity threshold and the deep press intensity thresholdis sometimes referred to as a “light press” input. An increase ofcharacteristic intensity of the contact from an intensity below the deeppress intensity threshold to an intensity above the deep press intensitythreshold is sometimes referred to as a “deep press” input. An increaseof characteristic intensity of the contact from an intensity below thecontact-detection intensity threshold to an intensity between thecontact-detection intensity threshold and the light press intensitythreshold is sometimes referred to as detecting the contact on thetouch-surface. A decrease of characteristic intensity of the contactfrom an intensity above the contact-detection intensity threshold to anintensity below the contact detection intensity threshold is sometimesreferred to as detecting liftoff of the contact from the touch-surface.In some embodiments, the contact-detect ion intensity threshold is zero.In some embodiments, the contact-detection intensity threshold isgreater than zero.

In some embodiments described herein, one or more operations areperformed in response to detecting a gesture that includes a respectivepress input or in response to detecting the respective press inputperformed with a respective contact (or a plurality of contacts), wherethe respective press input is detected based at least in part ondetecting an increase in intensity of the contact (or plurality ofcontacts) above a press-input intensity threshold. In some embodiments,the respective operation is performed in response to detecting theincrease in intensity of the respective contact above the press-inputintensity threshold (e.g., a “down stroke” of the respective pressinput). In some embodiments, the press input includes an increase inintensity of the respective contact above the press-input intensitythreshold and a subsequent decrease in intensity of the contact belowthe press-input intensity threshold, and the respective operation isperformed in response to detecting the subsequent decrease in intensityof the respective contact below the press-input threshold (e.g., an “upstroke” of the respective press input).

In some embodiments, the device employs intensity hysteresis to avoidaccidental inputs sometimes termed “jitter,” where the device defines orselects a hysteresis intensity threshold with a predefined relationshipto the press-input intensity threshold (e.g., the hysteresis intensitythreshold is X intensity units lower than the press-input intensitythreshold or the hysteresis intensity threshold is 75%, 90%, or somereasonable proportion of the press-input intensity threshold). Thus, insome embodiments, the press input includes an increase in intensity ofthe respective contact above the press-input intensity threshold and asubsequent decrease in intensity of the contact below the hysteresisintensity threshold that corresponds to the press-input intensitythreshold, and the respective operation is performed in response todelecting the subsequent decrease in intensity of the respective contactbelow the hysteresis intensity threshold (e.g., an “up stroke” of therespective press input). Similarly, in some embodiments, the press inputis detected only when the device detects an increase in intensity of thecontact from an intensity at or below the hysteresis intensity thresholdto an intensity at or above the press-input intensity threshold and,optionally, a subsequent decrease in intensity of the contact to anintensity at or below the hysteresis intensity, and the respectiveoperation is performed in response to detecting the press input (e.g.,the increase in intensity of the contact or the decrease in intensity ofthe contact, depending on the circumstances).

For ease of explanation, the descriptions of operations performed inresponse to a press input associated with a press-input intensitythreshold or in response to a gesture including the press input are,optionally, triggered in response to detecting either: an increase inintensity of a contact above the press-input intensity threshold, anincrease in intensity of a contact from an intensity below thehysteresis intensity threshold to an intensity above the press-inputintensity threshold, a decrease in intensity of the contact below thepress-input intensity threshold, and/or a decrease in intensity of thecontact below the hysteresis intensity threshold corresponding to thepress-input intensity threshold. Additionally, in examples where anoperation is described as being performed in response to detecting adecrease in intensity of a contact below the press-input intensitythreshold, the operation is, optionally, performed in response todetecting a decrease in intensity of the contact below a hysteresisintensity threshold corresponding to, and lower than, the press-inputintensity threshold.

3. Digital Assistant System

FIG. 7A illustrates a block diagram of digital assistant system 700 inaccordance with various examples. In some examples, digital assistantsystem 700 is implemented on a standalone computer system. In someexamples, digital assistant system 700 is distributed across multiplecomputers. In some examples, some of the modules and functions of thedigital assistant are divided into a server portion and a clientportion, where the client portion resides on one or more user devices(e.g., devices 104, 122, 200, 400, or 600) and communicates with theserver portion (e.g., server system 108) through one or more networks,e.g., as shown in FIG. 1. In some examples, digital assistant system 700is an implementation of server system 108 (and/or DA server 106) shownin FIG. 1. It should be noted that digital assistant, system 700 is onlyone example of a digital assistant system, and that digital assistantsystem 700 can have more or fewer components than shown, can combine twoor more components, or can have a different configuration or arrangementof the components. The various components shown in FIG. 7A areimplemented in hardware, software instructions for execution by one ormore processors, firmware, including one or more signal processingand/or application specific integrated circuits, or a combinationthereof.

Digital assistant system 700 includes memory 702, one or more processors704, input/output (I/O) interface 706, and network communicationsinterface 708. These components can communicate with one another overone or more communication buses or signal lines 710.

In some examples, memory 702 includes a non-transitory computer-readablemedium, such as high-speed random access memory and/or a non-volatilecomputer-readable storage medium (e.g., one or more magnetic diskstorage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-statememory devices).

In some examples, I/O interface 706 couples input/output devices 716 ofdigital assistant system 700, such as displays, keyboards, touchscreens, and microphones, to user interface module 722. I/O interface706, in conjunction with user interface module 722, receives user inputs(e.g., voice input, keyboard inputs, touch inputs, etc.) and processesthem accordingly. In some examples, e.g., when the digital assistant isimplemented on a standalone user device, digital assistant system 700includes any of the components and I/O communication interfacesdescribed with respect to devices 200, 400, or 600 in FIGS. 2A, 4, 6A-B,respectively. In some examples, digital assistant system 700 representsthe server portion of a digital assistant implementation, and caninteract with the user through a client-side portion residing on a userdevice (e.g., devices 104, 200, 400, or 600).

In some examples, the network communications interface 708 includeswired communication port(s) 712 and/or wireless transmission andreception circuitry 714. The wired communication port(s) receives andsend communication signals via one or more wired interfaces, e.g.,Ethernet. Universal Serial Bus (USB), FIREWIRE, etc. The wirelesscircuitry 714 receives and sends RE signals and/or optical signalsfrom/to communications networks and other communications devices. Thewireless communications use any of a plurality of communicationsstandards, protocols, and technologies, such as GSM, EDGE, CDMA, TDMA,Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, VoIP, Wi-MAX, or any other suitable communicationprotocol. Network communications interface 708 enables communicationbetween digital assistant system 700 with networks, such as theInternet, an intranet, and/or a wireless network, such as a cellulartelephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN), and/or ametropolitan area network (MAN), and other devices.

In some examples, memory 702, or the computer-readable storage media ofmemory 702, stores programs, modules, instructions, and data structuresincluding all or a subset of: operating system 718, communicationsmodule 720, user interface module 722, one or more applications 724, anddigital assistant module 726. In particular, memory 702, or thecomputer-readable storage media of memory 702, stores instructions forperforming the processes described below. One or more processors 704execute these programs, modules, and instructions, and reads/writesfrom/to the data structures.

Operating system 718 (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, iOS, OS X,WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includesvarious software components and/of drivers for controlling and managinggeneral system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control,power management, etc.) and facilitates communications between varioushardware, firmware, and software components.

Communications module 720 facilitates communications between digitalassistant system 700 with other devices over network communicationsinterface 708. For example, communications module 720 communicates withRF circuitry 208 of electronic devices such as devices 200, 400, and 600shown in FIG. 2A, 4, 6A-B, respectively. Communications module 720 alsoincludes various components for handling data received by wirelesscircuitry 714 and/or wired communications port 712.

User interface module 722 receives commands and/or inputs from a uservia I/O interface 706 (e.g., from a keyboard, touch screen, pointingdevice, controller, and/or microphone), and generate user interfaceobjects on a display. User interface module 722 also prepares anddelivers outputs (e.g., speech, sound, animation, text, icons,vibrations, haptic feedback, light, etc.) to the user via the I/Ointerface 706 (e.g., through displays, audio channels, speakers,touch-pads, etc.).

Applications 724 include programs and/or modules that are configured tobe executed by one or more processors 704. For example, if the digitalassistant system is implemented on a standalone user device,applications 724 include user applications, such as games, a calendarapplication, a navigation application, or an email application. Ifdigital assistant system 700 is implemented on a server, applications724 include resource management applications, diagnostic applications,or scheduling applications, for example.

Memory 702 also stores digital assistant module 726 (or the serverportion of a digital assistant). In some examples, digital assistantmodule 726 includes the following sub modules, or a subset or supersetthereof: input/output processing module 728, speech-to-text (STT)processing module 730, natural language processing module 732, dialogueflow processing module 734, task flow processing module 736, serviceprocessing module 738, and speech synthesis module 740. Each of thesemodules has access to one or more of the following systems or data andmodels of the digital assistant module 726, or a subset or supersetthereof; ontology 760, vocabulary index 744, user data 748, task flowmodels 754, service models 756, and ASR systems.

In some examples, using the processing modules, data, and modelsimplemented in digital assistant module 726, the digital assistant canperform at least some of the following: converting speech input intotext; identifying a user's intent expressed in a natural language inputreceived from the user; actively eliciting and obtaining informationneeded to fully infer the user's intent (e.g., by disambiguating words,games, intentions, etc.); determining the task flow for fulfilling theinferred intent; and executing the task flow to fulfill the inferredintent.

In some examples, as shown in FIG. 7B, I/O processing module 728interacts with the user through I/O devices 716 in FIG. 7A or with auser device (e.g., devices 104, 200, 400, or 600) through networkcommunications interface 708 in FIG. 7A to obtain user input (e.g., aspeech input) and to provide responses (e.g., as speech outputs) to theuser input. I/O processing module 728 optionally obtains contextualinformation associated with the user input from the user device, alongwith or shortly after the receipt of the user input. The contextualinformation includes user-specific data, vocabulary, and/or preferencesrelevant to the user input. In some examples, the contextual informationalso includes software and hardware states of the user device at thetime the user request is received, and/or information related to thesurrounding environment of the user at the time that the user requestwas received. In some examples, I/O processing module 728 also sendsfollow-up questions to, and receive answers from, the user regarding theuser request. When a user request is received by I/O processing module728 and the user request includes speech input. I/O processing module728 forwards the speech input to STT processing module 730 (or speechrecognizer) for speech to-text conversions.

STT processing module 730 includes one or more ASR systems. The one ormore ASR systems can process the speech input that is received throughI/O processing module 728 to produce a recognition result. Each ASRsystem includes a front-end speech pre-processor. The front-end speechpre-processor extracts representative features from the speech input.For example, the front-end speech pre-processor performs a Fouriertransform on the speech input to extract spectral features thatcharacterize the speech input as a sequence of representativemulti-dimensional vectors. Further, each ASR system includes one or morespeech recognition models (e.g., acoustic models and/or language models)and implements one or more speech recognition engines. Examples ofspeech recognition models include Hidden Markov Models, Gaussian-MixtureModels, Deep Neural Network Models, n-gram language models, and otherstatistical models. Examples of speech recognition engines include thedynamic time warping based engines and weighted finite-state transducers(WFST) based engines. The one or more speech recognition models and theone or more speech recognition engines are used to process the extractedrepresentative features of the front-end speech pre-processor to produceintermediate recognitions results (e.g., phonemes, phonemic strings, andsub-words), and ultimately, text recognition results (e.g., words, wordstrings, or sequence of tokens). In some examples, the speech input isprocessed at least partially by a third-party service or on the user'sdevice (e.g., device 104, 200, 400, or 600) to produce the recognitionresult. Once SIT processing module 730 produces recognition resultscontaining a text string (e.g., words, or sequence of words, or sequenceof tokens), the recognition result is passed to natural languageprocessing module 732 for intent deduction.

More details on the speech-to-text processing are described in U.S.Utility application Ser. No. 13/236,942 for “Consolidating SpeechRecognition Results,” filed on Sep. 20, 2011, the entire disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

In some examples. STT processing module 730 includes and/or accesses avocabulary of recognizable words via phonetic alphabet conversion module731. Fuel vocabulary word is associated with one or more candidatepronunciations of the word represented in a speech recognition phoneticalphabet. In particular, the vocabulary of recognizable words includes aword that is associated with a plurality of candidate pronunciations.For example, the vocabulary includes the word “tomato” that isassociated with the candidate pronunciations of /

/ and /

/. Further, vocabulary words are associated with custom candidatepronunciations that are based on previous speech inputs from the user.Such custom candidate pronunciations are stored in STT processing module730 and are associated with a particular user via the user's profile onthe device. In some examples, the candidate pronunciations for words aredetermined based on the spelling of the word and one or more linguisticand/or phonetic rules. In some examples, the candidate pronunciationsare manually generated, e.g., based on known canonical pronunciations.

In some examples, the candidate pronunciations are ranked based on thecommonness of the candidate pronunciation. For example, the candidatepronunciation /

/ is ranked higher than /

/, because the former is a more commonly used pronunciation (e.g., amongall users, for users in a particular geographical region, or for anyother appropriate subset of users). In some examples, candidatepronunciations are ranked based on whether the candidate pronunciationis a custom candidate pronunciation associated with the user. Forexample, custom candidate pronunciations are ranked higher thancanonical candidate pronunciations. This can he useful for recognizingproper nouns having a unique pronunciation that deviates from canonicalpronunciation. In some examples, candidate pronunciations are associatedwith one or more speech characteristics, such as geographic origin,nationality, or ethnicity. For example, the candidate pronunciation /

/ is associated with the United States, whereas the candidatepronunciation /

/ is associated with Great Britain. Further, the rank of the candidatepronunciation is based on one or more characteristics (e.g., geographicorigin, nationality, ethnicity, etc.) of the user stored in the user'sprofile on the device. For example, it can be determined from the user'sprofile that the user is associated with the United States. Based on theuser being associated with the United States, the candidatepronunciation /

/ (associated with the United States) is ranked higher than thecandidate pronunciation /

/ (associated with Great Britain). In some examples, one of the rankedcandidate pronunciations is selected as a predicted pronunciation (e.g.,the most likely pronunciation).

When a speech input is received, STT processing module 730 is used todetermine the phonemes corresponding to the speech input (e.g., using anacoustic model), and then attempt to determine words that match thephonemes (e.g., using a language model). For example, if STT processingmodule, 730 first identifies the sequence of phonemes /

/ corresponding to a portion of the speech input, it can then determine,based on vocabulary index 744, that this sequence corresponds to theword “tomato.”

In some examples. STT processing module 730 uses approximate matchingtechniques to determine words in an utterance. Thus, for example, theSTT processing module 730 can determine that the sequence of phonemes /

/ corresponds to the word “tomato,” even if that particular sequence ofphonemes is not one of the candidate sequence of phonemes for that word.

Natural language processing module 732 (“natural language processor”) ofthe digital assistant can take the sequence of words or tokens (“tokensequence”) generated by STT processing module 730, and attempt toassociate the token sequence with one or more “actionable intents”recognized by the digital assistant. An “actionable intent” represents atask that can be performed by the digital assistant, and can have anassociated task flow implemented in task flow models 754. The associatedtask flow is a series of programmed actions and steps that the digitalassistant takes in order to perform the task. The scope of a digitalassistant's capabilities is dependent on the number and variety of taskflows that have been implemented and stored in task flow models 754, orin other words, on the number and variety of “actionable intents” thatthe digital assistant recognizes. The effectiveness of the digitalassistant, however, also dependents on the assistant's ability to inferthe correct “actionable intent(s)” from the user request expressed innatural language.

In some examples, in addition to the sequence of words or tokensobtained from STT processing module 730, natural language processingmodule 732 also receives contextual information associated with the userrequest, e.g., from I/O processing module 728. The natural languageprocessing module 732 optionally uses the contextual information toclarify, supplement, and/or further define the information contained inthe token sequence received from STT processing module 730. Thecontextual information includes, for example, user preferences,hardware, and/or software states of the user device, sensor informationcollected before, during, or shortly after the user request, priorinteractions (e.g., dialogue) between the digital assistant and theuser, and the like. As described herein, contextual information is, insome examples, dynamic, and changes with time, location, content of thedialogue, and other factors.

In some examples, the natural language processing is based on, e.g.,ontology 760. Ontology 760 is a hierarchical structure containing manynodes, each node representing either an “actionable intent” or a“property” relevant to one or more of the “actionable intents” or other“properties.” As noted above, an “actionable intent” represents a taskthat the digital assistant is capable of performing, i.e., it is“actionable” or can be acted on. A “property” represents a parameterassociated with an actionable intent or a sub-aspect of anotherproperty. A linkage between an actionable intent node and a propertynode in ontology 760 defines how a parameter represented by the propertynode pertains to the task represented by the actionable intent node.

In some examples, ontology 760 is made up of actionable intent nodes andproperty nodes. Within ontology 760, each actionable intent node islinked to one or more property nodes either directly or through one ormore intermediate property nodes. Similarly, each property node islinked to one or more actionable intent nodes either directly or throughone or more intermediate property nodes. For example, as shown in FIG.7C, ontology 760 includes a “restaurant reservation” node (i.e., anactionable intent node). Property nodes “restaurant,” “date/time” (forthe reservation), and “party size” are each directly linked to theactionable intent node (i.e., the “restaurant reservation” node).

In addition, property nodes “cuisine,” “price range,” “phone number,”and “location” are sub-nodes of the property node “restaurant,” and areeach linked to the “restaurant reservation” node (i.e., the actionableintent node) through the intermediate property node “restaurant.” Foranother example, as shown in FIG. 7C, ontology 760 also includes a “setreminder” node (i.e., another actionable intent node). Property nodes“date/time” (for setting the reminder) and “subject” (for the reminder)are each linked to the “set reminder” node. Since the property“date/time” is relevant to both the task of making a restaurantreservation and the task of setting a reminder, the property node“date/time” is linked to both the “restaurant reservation” node and the“set reminder” node in ontology 760.

An actionable intent node, along with its linked concept nodes, isdescribed as a “domain.” In the present discussion, each domain isassociated with a respective actionable intent, and refers to the groupof nodes (and the relationships there between) associated with theparticular actionable intent. For example, ontology 760 shown in FIG. 7Cincludes an example of restaurant reservation domain 762 and an exampleof reminder domain 764 within ontology 760. The restaurant reservationdomain includes the actionable intent node “restaurant reservation,”property nodes “restaurant,” “date/time,” and “party size,” andsub-property nodes “cuisine,” “price range,” “phone number,” and“location.” Reminder domain 764 includes the actionable intent node “setreminder,” and property nodes “subject” and “date/time.” In someexamples, ontology 760 is made up of many domains. Each domain sharesone or more property nodes with one or more other domains. For example,the “date/time” property node is associated with many different domains(e.g., a scheduling domain, a travel reservation domain, a movie ticketdomain, etc.), in addition to restaurant reservation domain 762 andreminder domain 764.

While FIG. 7C illustrates two example domains within ontology 760, otherdomains include, for example, “find a movie,” “initiate a phone call,”“find directions,” “schedule a meeting,” “send a message,” and “providean answer to a question,” “read a list,” “providing navigationinstructions,” “provide instructions for a task” and so on. A “send amessage” domain is associated with a “send a message” actionable intentnode, and further includes property nodes such as “recipients),”“message type,” and “message body.” The property node “recipient” isfurther defined, for example, by the sub-property nodes such as“recipient name” and “message address.”

In some examples, the “find media items” domain includes a super domaincontaining many actionable intent nodes associated with finding orobtaining media items. For example, the “find media items” domainincludes the actionable intent nodes, such as “obtain media items havingrecent release data,” “obtain personalized recommendations for mediaitems,” or “obtain information associated with media items.”

In some examples, ontology 760 includes all the domains (and henceactionable intents) that the digital assistant is capable ofunderstanding and acting upon. In some examples, ontology 760 ismodified, such as by adding or removing entire domains or nodes, or bymodifying relationships between the nodes within the ontology 760.

In some examples, nodes associated with multiple related actionableintents are clustered under a “super domain” in ontology 760. Forexample, a “travel” super-domain includes a cluster of property nodesand actionable intent nodes related to travel. The actionable intentnodes related to travel includes “airline reservation,” “hotelreservation,” “car rental,” “get directions,” “find points of interest,”and so on. The actionable intent nodes under the same super domain(e.g., the “travel” super domain) have many property nodes in common.For example, the actionable intent nodes for “airline reservation,”“hotel reservation,” “car rental,” “get directions,” and “find points ofinterest” share one or more of the property nodes “start location,”“destination,” “departure date/time,” “arrival date/time,” and “partysize.”

In some examples, each node in ontology 760 is associated with a set ofwords and/or phrases that are relevant to the property or actionableintent represented by the node. The respective set of words and/orphrases associated with each node are the so-called “vocabulary”associated with the node. The respective set of words and/or phrasesassociated with each node are stored in vocabulary index 744 inassociation with the property or actionable intent represented by thenode. For example, returning to FIG. 7B, the vocabulary associated withthe node for the property of “restaurant” includes words such as “food,”“drinks,” “cuisine,” “hungry,” “eat,” “pizza”, “fast food,” “meal,” andso on. For another example, the vocabulary associated with the node forthe actionable intent of “initiate a phone call” includes words andphrases such as “call,” “phone,” “dial,” “ring,” “call this number”,“make a call to,” and so on. The vocabulary index 744 optionallyincludes words and phrases in different languages.

Natural language processing module 732 receives the token sequence(e.g., a text string) from STT processing module 730, and determineswhat nodes are implicated by the words in the token sequence. In someexamples, if a word or phrase in the token sequence is found to beassociated with one or more nodes in ontology 760 (via vocabulary index744), the word or phrase “triggers” or “activates” those nodes. Based onthe quantity and/or relative importance of the activated nodes, naturallanguage processing module 732 selects one of the actionable intents asthe task that the user intended the digital assistant to perform. Insome examples, the domain that has the most “triggered” nodes isselected. In some examples, the domain having the highest confidencevalue (e.g., based on the relative importance of its various triggerednodes) is selected. In some examples, the domain is selected based on acombination of the number and the importance of the triggered nodes. Insome examples, additional factors are considered in selecting the nodeas well, such as whether the digital assistant has previously correctlyinterpreted a similar request from a user.

User data 748 includes user-specific information, such as user-specificvocabulary, user preferences, user address, user's default and secondarylanguages, user's contact list, and other short-term or long-terminformation for each user. In some examples, natural language processingmodule 732 uses the user-specific information to supplement theinformation contained in the user input to further define the userintent. For example, for a user request “invite my friends to mybirthday party,” natural language processing module 732 is able toaccess user data 748 to determine who the “friends” are and when andwhere the “birthday party” would be held, rather than requiring the userto provide such information explicitly in his/her request.

Other details of searching an ontology based on a token string isdescribed in U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12/341,743 for “Methodand Apparatus for Searching Using An Active Ontology,” filed Dec. 22,2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

In some examples, once natural language processing module 732 identifiesan actionable intent (or domain) based on the user request, naturallanguage processing module 732 generates a structured query to representthe identified actionable intent. In some examples, the structured queryincludes parameters for one or more nodes within the domain for theactionable intent, and at least some of the parameters are populatedwith the specific information and requirements specified in the userrequest. For example, the user says “Make me a dinner reservation at asushi place at 7.” In this case, natural language processing module 732is able to correctly identify the actionable intent to be “restaurantreservation” based on the user input. According to the ontology, astructured query for a “restaurant reservation” domain includesparameters such as {Cuisine}, {Time}, {Date}, {Party Size}, and thelike. In some examples, based on the speech input and the text derivedfrom the speech input using STT processing module 730, natural languageprocessing module 732 generates a partial structured query for therestaurant reservation domain, where the partial structured queryincludes the parameters {Cuisine=“Sushi”} and {Time=“7 pm”}. However, inthis example, the user's utterance contains insufficient information tocomplete the structured query associated with the domain. Therefore,other necessary parameters such as {Party Size} and {Date} is notspecified in the structured query based on the information currentlyavailable. In some examples, natural language processing module 732populates some parameters of the structured query with receivedcontextual information. For example, in some examples, if the userrequested a sushi restaurant “near me,” natural language processingmodule 732 populates a {location} parameter in the structured query withGPS coordinates from the user device.

In some examples, natural language processing module 732 passes thegenerated structured query (including any completed parameters) to taskflow processing module 736 (“task flow processor”). Task How processingmodule 736 is configured to receive the structured query from naturallanguage processing module 732, complete the structured query, ifnecessary, and perform the actions required to “complete” the user'sultimate request. In some examples, the various procedures necessary tocomplete these tasks are provided in task flow models 754. In someexamples, task flow models 754 include procedures for obtainingadditional information from the user and task flows for performingactions associated with the actionable intent.

As described above, in order to complete a structured query, task flowprocessing module 736 needs to initiate additional dialogue with theuser in order to obtain additional information, and/or disambiguatepotentially ambiguous utterances. When such interactions are necessary,task flow processing module 736 invokes dialogue flow processing module734 to engage in a dialogue with the user. In some examples, dialogueflow processing module 734 determines how (and/or when) to ask the userfor the additional information and receives and processes the userresponses. The questions are provided to and answers are received fromthe users through I/O processing module 728. In some examples, dialogueflow processing module 734 presents dialogue output to the user viaaudio and/or visual output, and receives input from the user via spokenor physical (e.g., clicking) responses. Continuing with the exampleabove, when task flow processing module 736 invokes dialogue flowprocessing module 734 to determine the “party size” and “date”information for the structured query associated with the domain“restaurant reservation,” dialogue flow processing module 734 generatesquestions such as “For how many people” and “On which day” to pass tothe user. Once answers are received from the user, dialogue flowprocessing module 734 then populates the structured query with themissing information, or pass the information to task flow processingmodule 736 to complete the missing information from the structuredquery.

Once task flow processing module 736 has completed the structured queryfor an actionable intent., task flow processing module 736 proceeds toperform the ultimate task associated with the actionable intent.Accordingly, task flow processing module 736 executes the steps andinstructions in the task flow model according to the specific parameterscontained in the structured query. For example, the task flow model forthe actionable intent of “restaurant reservation” includes steps andinstructions for contacting a restaurant and actually requesting areservation for a particular party size at a particular time. Forexample, using a structured query such as: {restaurant reservation,restaurant=ABC Café, date=3/12/2012, time=7pm, party size=5}, task flowprocessing module 736 performs the steps of: (1) logging onto a serverof the ABC Café or a restaurant reservation system such as OPENTABLE®,(2) entering the date, time, and party size information in a form on thewebsite, (3) submitting the form, and (4) making a calendar entry forthe reservation in the user's calendar.

In some examples, task flow processing module 736 employs the assistanceof service processing module 738 (“service processing module”) tocomplete a task requested in the user input or to provide aninformational answer requested in the user input. For example, serviceprocessing module 738 acts on behalf of task flow processing module 736to make a phone call set a calendar entry, invoke a map search, invokeor interact with other user applications installed on the user device,and invoke or interact with third party services (e.g., a restaurantreservation portal, a social networking website, a banking portal,etc.). In some examples, the protocols and application programminginterlaces (API) required by each service are specified by a respectiveservice model among service models 756. Service processing module 738accesses the appropriate service model, for a service and generaterequests for the service in accordance with the protocols and APIsrequired by the service according to the service model

For example, if a restaurant has enabled an online reservation service,the restaurant Submits a service model specifying the necessaryparameters for making a reservation and the APIs for communicating thevalues of the necessary parameter to the online reservation service.When requested by task flow processing module 736, service processingmodule 738 establishes a network connection with the online reservationservice using the web address stored in the service model, and send thenecessary parameters of the reservation (e.g., time, date, party size)to the online reservation interface in a format according to the API ofthe online reservation service.

In some examples, natural language processing module 732, dialogue flowprocessing module 734, and task flow processing module 736 are usedcollectively and iteratively to infer and define the user s intent,obtain information to further clarify and refine the user intent, andfinally generate a response (i.e., an output to the user, or thecompletion of a task) to fulfill the user's intent. The generatedresponse is a dialogue response to the speech input that at leastpartially fulfills the user's intent. Further, in some examples, thegenerated response is output as a speech output. In these examples, thegenerated response is sent to speech synthesis module 740 (e.g., speechsynthesizer) where it can be processed to synthesize the dialogueresponse in speech form. In yet other examples, the generated responseis data content, relevant to satisfying a user request in the speechinput.

Speech synthesis module 740 is configured to synthesize speech outputsfor presentation to the user. Speech synthesis module 740 synthesizesspeech outputs based on text provided by the digital assistant. Forexample, the generated dialogue response is in the form of a textstring. Speech synthesis module 740 converts the text string to anaudible speech output. Speech synthesis module 740 uses any appropriatespeech synthesis technique in order to generate speech outputs fromtext, including, but not limited, to concatenate synthesis, unitselection synthesis, diphone synthesis, domain-specific synthesis,formant synthesis, articulatory synthesis, hidden Markov model (HMM)based synthesis, and sinewave synthesis. In some examples, speechsynthesis module 740 is configured to synthesize individual words basedon phonemic strings corresponding to the words. For example, a phonemicstring is associated with a word in the generated dialogue response. Thephonemic string is stored in metadata associated with the word. Speechsynthesis model 740 is configured to directly process the phonemicstring in the metadata to synthesize the word in speech form.

In some examples, instead of (or in addition to) using speech synthesismodule 740, speech synthesis is performed on a remote device (e.g., theserver system 108), and the synthesized speech is sent to the userdevice, for output to the user. For example, this can occur in someimplementations where outputs for a digital assistant are generated at aserver system. And because server systems generally have more processingpower or resources than a user device, it is possible to obtain higherquality speech outputs than would be practical with client-sidesynthesis.

Additional details on digital assistants can be found in the U.S.Utility application Ser. No. 12/987,982, entitled “Intelligent AutomatedAssistant,” filed Jan. 10, 2011, and U.S. Utility application Ser. No.13/251,088, entitled “Generating and Processing Task Items ThatRepresent Tasks to Perform,” filed Sep. 30, 2011, the entire disclosuresof which are incorporated herein by reference.

4. Processes for Operating Digital Assistants for Media Exploration

FIGS. 8A C illustrate process 800 for operating a digital assistant formedia exploration, according to various examples. FIGS. 9A-B, 10, and 11illustrate interactions user 901 operating a digital assistant on userdevice 903 for media exploration, according to various examples. Process800 is performed, for example, using one or mom electronic devicesimplementing a digital assistant. In some examples, the process isperformed at a client-server system (e.g., system 100) implementing adigital assistant. In some examples, the process is performed at a userdevice (e.g., device 104, 200, 400, or 600). In process 800, some blocksare, optionally, combined, the order of some blocks is, optionally,changed, and some blocks are, optionally, omitted. Further, it should herecognized that in some examples, only a subset of the featuresdescribed below with reference to FIGS. 8A C are performed in process800.

At block 802, a speech input is received (e.g., at I/O processing module728 and via microphone 213) from a user. The speech input represents arequest for one or mom media items. For example, with reference to FIG.9A, the speech input is “Hey Siri, play me some hip-hop music I'd like.”In another example shown in FIG. 10, the speech input is “Hey Siri, playme some music for barbecuing.” In yet another example shown in FIG. 11,the speech input is “Hey Siri, play me some pop music that just cameout.” Other examples of speech input that represent a request for one ormore media items include, “What should I listen to,” “Recommend somemusic,” “What's for me today,” “Hey Siri, be my DJ,” “Spin me some tastybeats,” “Find a recommended playlist,” “Any good album I should play.“Play me something I'd like,” “Any recommended workout music.” “Findrecently released music,” Hot new rock tracks please,” or the like.

At block 804, a determination is made (e.g., using natural languageprocessing module 732) as to whether the speech input of block 802corresponds to the user intent of obtaining personalized recommendationsfor media items. In particular, the determination includes determiningthe user intent (e.g., actionable intent) corresponding to the speechinput. The user intent is determined in a similar manner as discussedabove with reference to FIGS. 7A-C. In particular, the words or phrasesin the speech input are parsed and compared to the words or phrases of avocabulary index (e.g., vocabulary index 744). The words or phrases ofthe vocabulary index are associated with the various nodes (e.g.,actionable intent nodes or domains) of an ontology (e.g., ontology 760)and thus, based on the comparison, nodes corresponding to the words orphrases in the speech input are “triggered” or “activated.” The nodehaving the highest confidence value among the activated nodes isselected. The determined user intent corresponding to the speech inputof block 802 is thus the actionable intent corresponding to the selectednode.

Determining whether the speech input corresponds to the user intent ofobtaining personalized recommendations for media items is based on theselected actionable intent node, if the selected node has acorresponding actionable intent of obtaining personalizedrecommendations for media items, then the speech input is determined tocorrespond to the user intent of obtaining personalized recommendationsfor media items. Conversely, if the selected node has a correspondingactionable intent other than obtaining personalized recommendations formedia items, then the speech input is determined to not correspond tothe user intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for mediaitems.

In some examples, determining whether the speech input corresponds tothe user intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for mediaitems includes determining whether the speech input includes one or moreof a plurality of predetermined phrases. In particular, the vocabularyindex includes a plurality of predetermined phrases that correspond tothe actionable intent node of obtaining personalized recommendations formedia items. The plurality of predetermined phrases include, forexample, “Recommend me . . . (music),” “Be my DJ,” “Spin sometunes/beats,” “What should I play,” “Play me some [music] I'd like,”“Find some good [music] for . . . .” or the like. Based on the speechinput, containing one or more of these phrases, the speech input ismapped to the actionable intent of obtaining personalizedrecommendations for media items, and the speech input is determined tocorrespond to the user intent of obtaining personalized recommendationsfor media items. For example, in FIG. 9A, speech input 902 contains thephrase “play me some [music] I'd like,” which is one of the plurality ofpredetermined phrases corresponding to the actionable intent node ofobtaining personalized recommendations for media items. Thus, in thisexample, speech input 902 is determined to correspond to the user intentof obtaining personalized recommendations for media items.

In some examples, determining whether the speech input corresponds tothe user intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for mediaitems includes determining whether a number of parameters defined in thespeech input is less than a predetermined threshold number. Inparticular, the speech input is determined to correspond to the userintent of obtaining personalized recommendations for media items if thenumber of parameters (e.g., media parameters) defined in the speechinput is less than a predetermined threshold number. For example, thespeech input “What should I play” is a request related to playing music.However, the request is broad and vague as it does not define any mediaparameters, such as the desired artist, album, genre, or release date.In this example, the speech input is determined to correspond to theuser intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for media items,because the number of media parameters defined in the speech input isless than a predetermined threshold number (e.g., one).

In some examples, determining whether the speech input corresponds tothe user intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for mediaincludes determining whether the speech input refers to the user.Specifically, the speech input is parsed to determine whether itcontains words or phrases referring to the user (e.g., “me,” “for me,”“I,” “my,” etc.). For example, the following phrases are determined tocontain words referring to the user: “What's for me,” “Surprise me,”“Anything for me today” In some examples, the determination is based ondetermining whether the speech input contains words or phrases referringto the user in combination with words or phrases related to media (e.g.,“listen,” “music,” “play,” “tunes,” “DJ,” etc.). For example, thefollowing phrases are determined to contain words referring to the userin combination with words or phrases related to media: “Recommend mesome hip-hop,” “Be my DJ,” “What should I listen to,” “What do songs doyou have for me,” or “Play me some tunes.” Thus, the speech input isdetermined to correspond to the user intent of obtaining personalizedrecommendations for media based on the speech inputs containing words orphrases that refer to the user.

In response to determining that the speech input corresponds to the userintent of obtaining personalized recommendations for media items, block806 is performed. At block 806, at least one media item is obtained froma user-specific corpus of media items (e.g., using natural languageprocessing module 732, task flow processing module 736, and/or serviceprocessing module 738). In some examples, the at least one media itemincludes a song, album, video, movie, or playlist. The user-specificcorpus of media items is a personalized corpus of media items that isspecific to the user. In particular, the user-specific corpus of mediaitems is generated based on data associated with the user. A moredetailed description of the user-specific corpus of media items isprovided below with reference to block 810. Obtaining the at least onemedia item from the user-specific corpus of media items at block 806includes performing one or more of blocks 808-816, described below.Blocks 808-816 are performed, for example, using one or more of naturallanguage processing module 732, task flow processing module 736, and/orservice processing module 738.

At block 808, media parameters defined in the speech input acedetermined (e.g., using natural language processing module 732). Astructured query corresponding to the actionable intent of obtainingpersonalized recommendations for media items is then generated with thedefined media parameters. In particular, the vocabulary index (e.g.,vocabulary index 744) includes words or phrases corresponding to each ofa plurality of media parameters. Media parameters defined in the speechinput are thus determined by comparing the words or phrases of thespeech input with the words or phrases in the vocabulary index. Forexample, the vocabulary index includes words or phrases associated withthe media parameter {genre}. The words or phrases include, for example,“hip-hop,” “R&B,” “jazz,” “punk,” “rock,” “pop,” “classical,”“bluegrass,” or the like. In the example of FIG. 9A, speech input 902 isdetermined to define the media parameter {genre}=“hip-hop” based ondetecting the phrase “hip-hop” in speech input 902. Thus, in thisexample, the structured query corresponding to the actionable intent ofobtaining personalized recommendations for media items are generated toinclude the media parameter {genre}=“hip-hop.”

Another media parameter that can be determined from the speech input is{release date}. The media parameter {release date} refers to the releasedates of the media items the user is interested in. The release date is,for example, a specific date or a range of dates. Words or phraseassociated with the media parameter {release date} include, for example,“seventies,” “eighties,” “nineties,” “the last ten years,” “2008,”“after March 2016,” or the like. In one example, based on the word“eighties” in the speech input “Play some eighties tunes for me,” thespeech input is determined to define the media parameter {releasedate}=“1980-1989.” Thus, in this example, the structured querycorresponding to the actionable intent of obtaining personalizedrecommendations for media items is generated to include the mediaparameter {release date}=“1980-1989.”

In some examples, based on the context of the speech input, dates ortime periods in the speech input are interpreted as defining a subgenrerather than defining a release date. For example, based on the phrase“'70s” in the speech input “Play me some '70s punk,” the speech input isdetermined to define the time period “1970-1979.” In response todetermining that the speech input defines this time period, adetermination is made as to whether the speech input defines a genre inassociation with this time period. In the present example, the speechinput includes the phrase “punk,” which corresponds to the mediaparameter {genre}. Since the time period “'70s” modifies the genre“punk” in the speech input, it is determined that the speech inputdefines the genre “punk” in associated with the time period “'70s.” Inresponse to determining that the speech input defines a genre inassociation with the defined time period, a subgenre is determine basedon the defined time period and the defined genre. For example, based onthe defined lime period “'70s” and the defined genre “punk,” thesubgenre “'70s punk” is determined. Thus, in this example, thestructured query generated for the actionable intent of obtainingpersonalized recommendations for media items includes the mediaparameter {subgenre}=“'70s punk.” Notably, rather than interpreting thedefined time period as the media parameter {release date}, the definedtime period is interpreted more accurately as part of the mediaparameter {subgenre}. In this way, the speech input is interpreted tomore accurately reflect the user's actual intent and thus, more relevantmedia items are provided to the user. For example, the at least onemedia item is obtained at block 806 based on the determined subgenre“'70s punk,” which includes media items with release dates outside ofthe time period 1970-1979. Specifically, each media item in the at leastone media item includes metadata that indicates the subgenre of “'70spunk.”

Other media parameters that are determined as being defined in thespeech input includes, for example, {activity}, {mood}, {occasion},{editorial list}, {political preference}, or {technical proficiency}.Each of these media parameters is described below in turn. For example,the media parameter {activity} refers to an activity performed by theuser and is associated with words or phrases, such as “working out,”“exercising,” “barbecuing,” “sleeping,” “driving,” “studying,”“painting,” or the like. In one example, based on the word “studying” inthe speech input “Find some music that's good for studying,” the speechinput is determined to define the media parameter {activity}=“studying.”In another example shown in FIG. 10, the phrase “barbecuing” is detectedin speech input 1002 as corresponding to the media parameter {activity}.Thus, in this example, speech input 1002 is determined as defining themedia parameter {activity}=“barbecuing.”

The media parameter {mood} refers to a feeling or state of mind of theuser and is associated with words or phrases, such as “happy,” “sad,”“angry,” “relaxing,” “powerful,” “excited,” “romantic,” or the like. Inone example, based on the word “happy” in the speech input “Recommend mesome happy music,” the speech input is determined to define the mediaparameter {mood}=“happy.”

The media parameter {occasion} refers to an occasion associated with aspecific time period and is associated with words or phrases, such as“Christmas,” “birthday,” “summer,” “winter,” “Halloween,” “New Years,”“Easter,” or the like. In one example, based on the word “Christmas” inthe speech input “Play some Christmas music,” the speech input isdetermined to define the media parameter {occasion}=“Christmas.”

The media parameter {editorial list} refers to a predetermined list ofmedia items compiled by a media establishment, such as Rolling Stonesmagazine. Billboard magazine, Shazam, or the like. Exemplary editoriallists include, for example, the Billboard Hot 100. Billboard Hit Parade.Billboard 200, American top 40, Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs ofAll Time. Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. RollingStones 100 Greatest Artists, or the like. The media parameter {editoriallist} is associated with words or phrases that correspond to theselists. For example, based on the phrase “Billboard Hot 100” in thespeech input “Play me songs from the Billboard Hot 100,” the speechinput is determined to define the media parameter {editoriallist}=“Billboard Hot 100.”

The media parameter {political preference} refers to a politicalpreference of the user and is associated with words or phrases, such as“conservative,” “liberal,” “right wing,” “right leaning,” “left wing,”left leaning,” or the like. In one example, based on the phrase“conservative” in the speech input “Find me conservative news,” thespeech input is determined to define the media parameter {politicalpreference}=“conservative.” In this example, the candidate media itemsdetermined at block 812 are more likely associated with conservativemedia sources (e.g., Fox news, drudge report, etc.) than liberal mediasources (e.g., Huffington Post, New York Times, etc.).

The media parameter {technical proficiency} refers to how proficient theuser is with technical subject matter. This is relevant when makingrequests for documentaries that discuss technical subject matter. Inparticular, the media parameter {technical proficiency} is associatedwith words and phrases, such as “very technical,” “layman,”“scientific,” “easily understandable,” “simple,” “advanced,” or thelike. In one example, based on the phrase “very technical” in the speechinput “Find me some very technical documentaries on space crafts,” thespeech input, is determined to define the media parameter {technicalproficiency}=“high.” In some examples, the media parameter {technicalproficiency} is inferred based on a user's familiarity with therequested subject matter. In particular, if the user frequently requestsdocumentaries on space crafts (e.g., based on user request logs) or ifthe user has a large collection of documentaries on space crafts inhis/her personal media library, then it can be determined that the useris very familiar with the subject matter of space crafts and thus, inthis example, the media parameter {technical proficiency} is inferred tobe “high.”??

At block 810, a user-specific corpus of media items is determined.Determining the user-specific corpus of media items includes obtaininguser identification information associated with the user. The useridentification information contains, for example, user account log-ininformation or user password information for accessing a correspondinguser-specific corpus of media items. The user identification informationis then used to identify and access the appropriate user-specific corpusof media items from among a plurality of user-specific corpuses of mediaitems to obtain the at least one media item.

In some examples, the user device at which the speech input of block 802was received is associated with a unique user profile (e.g., stored inuser data 748) that contains the user identification information. Theuser identification information is thus retrieved at block 810 based onthe user profile associated with the user device. The correspondinguser-specific corpus of media items is thus identified based on theretrieved user identification information.

In some examples, the user identification information is retrieved uponverifying the identity of the user. In particular, the identity of theuser is verified by performing speaker identification using the speechinput of block 802. Speaker identification is performed, for example, bycomparing a voice print generated from the speech input of block 802with a reference voice print associated with a specific user. Theidentity of the user is verified if the voice print generated from thespeech input of block 802 is determined to match the reference voiceprint beyond a threshold confidence value. It should be recognized thatother methods of identity verification can be implemented, such asfingerprinting authentication, passcode verification, or the like. Uponsuccessfully verifying the identity of the user, the user identificationinformation corresponding to the verified identity of the user isretrieved (e.g., from the user profile). The user identificationinformation is then used to identify and access the correspondinguser-specific corpus of media items. Based on the determined identity ofthe user, the respective user-specific corpus of media items isdetermined from the plurality of user-specific corpuses of media items.

In some examples, the user-specific corpus of media items is stored on aremote server separate from the user device. For example, theuser-specific corpus of media items is stored as part of a media service(e.g., media service(s) 120-1) that provides media items. The useridentification information is required to access the user-specificcorpus of media items. In some examples, an encrypted token containingthe user identification information is generated at the user device andsent to the media service. The media service then decrypts the token andutilize the user identification information from the decrypted token toaccess the corresponding user-specific corpus of media items to obtainthe at least one media item.

In some examples, the user-specific corpus of media items is customizedto the media preferences of a specific user. For example, previousmedia-related data associated with the user is utilized to generate theuser-specific corpus of media items. In particular, the user-specificcorpus of media items is generated based on the media items previouslyselected, requested, or rejected by the user. For example, if the useris determined to frequently request, browse, select, or play media itemshaving certain media parameters (e.g., {genre}=“pop” or {artist}=“KatyPerry”), then the user-specific corpus of media items is generated tofavor media items having those parameters. Similarly, if the user isdetermined to consistently reject recommended media items having certainother parameters (e.g., {mood}=sad), then the user-specific corpus ofmedia items is generated to disfavor media items having those otherparameters.

In some examples, the user-specific corpus of media items is generatedbased on information from the user's profile. The user profile containsinformation that characterizes the user, such as the country associatedwith the user, the user's spoken languages, the user's age, or theactivities frequently engaged by the user. Based on this information,the user-specific corpus of media items is generated to favor mediaitems having media parameters that complement this information. Forexample, if the user profile indicates that the user primarily speaksEnglish and is twenty years old, then the user-specific corpus of mediaitems is generated to favor media items that are spoken or sung inEnglish and have a recent (e.g., last 5 years) release date.

Further, in some examples, the user-specific corpus of media items isgenerated based on a personal library of media items associated with theuser. The personal library of media items include media items (e.g.,songs, movies, etc.) that were acquired by the user. The personallibrary of media items is stored on the user device and/or stored on aremote server in association with the user's account. The user-specificcorpus of media items is generated to favor media items having mediaparameters that are similar to those in the user's personal library ofmedia items. For example, if the user's personal library of media itemscontains many albums by the artist Katy Perry, then the user-specificcorpus is generated to favor media items associated with the artist KatyPerry and/or artists similar to Katy Perry, such as Avril Lavigne.

In some examples, the user-specific corpus of media items is generatedsuch that each media item in the user-specific corpus of media itemsincludes metadata that indicates a plurality of media parameterscorresponding to the respective media item. In particular, the metadatafor each media item defines any of the media parameters discussed above,such as {artist}, {genre}, {subgenre}, {release date}, {activity},{mood}, {occasion}, {editorial list}, {political preference}, or{technical proficiency}. The metadata is used to recommend suitablemedia items to the user based on the media parameters defined in theuser's speech input. For example, the user-specific corpus of mediaitems include the instrumental song “Chariots of Fire” having metadatathat indicates the following media parameters: {title}=“Chariots ofFire”, {genre}=“soundtrack; instrumental,” {composer}=Vangelis, {releasedate}=“March 1981,” {activity}=“running,” and {mood}=“inspirational.”Thus, if the speech input received at block 802 were “Play me someinspirational instrumental music good for running,” then based on themedia parameters defined in the speech input (i.e.,{genre}=“instrumental” {activity}=“running,” and {mood}=“inspirational”)the song “Chariots of Fire” is a candidate media item that is identifiedin the user-specific corpus of media items and recommended to the user.

In some example, the metadata of the media items in the user-specificcorpus of media items is intelligently generated based on analyzingspecific characteristics associated with the media items. In particular,the music tempo (e.g., beats per minute) of each media item isdetermined by analyzing the audio data of the media items. Based on thedetermined music tempo, the {activity} media parameter is determined formedia items in the user-specific corpus of media items. For example,media items having a faster music tempo are associated with more livelyactivities, such as working out, hiking, or the like. Conversely, mediaitems having a slower music tempo are associated with more passiveactivities, such as sleeping, meditating, or the like. The relevant(activity) media parameter determined based on music tempo is thusincluded in the metadata of the respective media items.

Additionally, in some examples, the {mood} media parameter for mediaitems in the user-specific corpus of media items is determined based onthe music key of each media item. For example, the audio data of eachmedia item is analyzed to determine the music key (e.g., C major, Gmajor, A minor, etc.) associated with the audio data. Media items havinga major music key are associated with more positive and happy moods,such as “happy,” “upbeat,” “cheerful,” “excited,” or the like, whereasmedia items having a minor music key are associated with more sombermoods, such as “sad,” “mournful,” or the like.

At block 812, a plurality of candidate media items ate determined fromthe user-specific corpus of media items based on the determined mediaparameters of block 808. For example, a search is performed using thedetermined media parameters of block 808 to identify candidate mediaitems in the user-specific corpus of media items having metadata thatinclude the determined media parameters of block 808. For example,returning to FIG. 9A, the media parameter {genre}=“hip-hop” isdetermined at block 808 to be defined in speech input 902. In responseto determining that the speech input defines the media parameter{genre}=“hip-hop,” the user-specific corpus of media items can besearched to identify media items having metadata that include the mediaparameter {genre}=“hip-hop.” For Example, media items such as “Tipsy”byJ-Kwon. “99 Problems” by Jay-Z, and “Over” by Drake each have metadatathat include the media parameter {genre}=“hip-hop.” Thus, in thisexample, the plurality of candidate media items determined from theuser-specific corpus of media items include these media items.

In another example shown in FIG. 10, user 901 provides speech input 1002“Hey Siri, play me some music for barbecuing.” In this example, thespeech input is determined at block 808 to define the media parameter{activity}=“barbecuing.” In response to determining that the speechinput defines the media parameter {activity}=“barbecuing,” theuser-specific corpus of media items is searched to identify media itemshaving metadata that include the media parameter{activity}=“barbecuing.” For example, media items such as “She Moves inHer Own Way” by The Kooks, “Hot n Cold” by Katy Perry, and “Fun Fun Fun”by The Beach Boys each has metadata that include the media parameter{activity}=“barbecuing.” Thus, in this example, the plurality ofcandidate media items determined from the user-specific corpus of mediaitems include there media items.

Although the examples of FIGS. 9A-B and 10 are described with respect tospecific media parameters, it should be recognized that the plurality ofcandidate media items are determined from the user-specific corpus ofmedia items based on any media parameter(s) defined in the speech inputof block 902. For example, in addition to the media parameters {genre}and {barbecue} described in the examples of FIGS. 9A-B and 10, the mediaparameters include, {artist}, {media type}, {subgenre}, {release date},{mood}, {occasion}, {editorial list}, {political preference}, {technicalproficiency}, or the like.

At block 814, the plurality of candidate media items of block 812 areranked using a user-specific media ranking model. User-specific mediaranking model is stored, for example, in user data 748 or data & models116. Using the user-specific media ranking model, a user-specificranking score is generated for each of the plurality of candidate mediaitems. The plurality of candidate media items are thus ranked based onthe user-specific ranking scores. The user-specific ranking scorerepresents a likelihood that the user will accept the candidate mediaitem given the media parameters associated with the candidate mediaitem. The user-specific media ranking model is a statisticalmachine-learned model (e.g., neural network model, Bayesian model, etc.) that is trained using user-specific data, such as information from theuser profile, previous media-related inputs from the user, or mediaitems associated with the user. Further, the user-specific media rankingmodel is continuously updated based on subsequently receiveduser-specific data. For example, the user-specific media ranking modelis updated based on the speech input of block 802 or any speechcontained in the audio input of block 824, described below.

Information from the user profile includes the user's age, ethnicity,location, profession, or the like. This information is used to generatethe user-specific media ranking model. For example, if information fromthe user profile indicates that the user is a scientist living in theconservative state of Id., the user-specific media ranking model istrained to generate more favorable scores for media items that areassociated with a higher technical proficiency or a more conservativepolitical orientation.

Previous media-related inputs from the user are used to generate theuser-specific media ranking model. In particular, previous media-relatedinputs from the user include media-related requests, selections, orrejections received prior to receiving the speech input of block 802.For example, if previous media-related requests from the user indicatethat the user typically requests for pop music and rejects rap music,then based on this previous media-related input, the user-specific mediaranking model is trained to generate more favorable ranking scores forpop music and less favorable ranking scores for rap music. In anotherexample, previous media-related input indicates that, when the userbrowses through online music stores, the user frequently views musicitems with release dates in the 1970s. Based on this determination, theuser-specific media ranking model is trained to generate more favorablescores for media items having release dates that are in the 1970s.

Media items associated with the user include media items found in theuser's personal media library. In some examples, the media items in theuser's personal media library are used to generate the user-specificmedia ranking model. In particular, the user-specific media rankingmodel is trained to favor the media items having media parameterssimilar to those of the media items in the user's personal medialibrary. For example, based on the user's personal media library havingmany albums by Jay-Z, the user-specific media ranking model is trainedto generate more favorable scores for media items related to the artistJay-Z or artists similar to Jay-Z.

In some examples, the ranking of block 814 is performed (additionally oralternatively) using a general media ranking model. In particular, ageneral ranking score is generated for each of the plurality ofcandidate media items using the general media ranking model. Theplurality of candidate media items are thus ranked based on the generalranking scores. The general media ranking model is similar to theuser-specific media ranking model except that the general media rankingmodel is trained using media-related data from a large population ofusers rather than from one specific user. The general ranking scoresrepresent general popularity ratings of the media items. In particular,the general media ranking model generates more favorable ranking scoresfor media items that are most frequently requested, viewed, or selectedby the large population of users.

It should be recognized that the ranking of block 814 is, in someexamples, performed based on a combination of the user-specific rankingscore from the user-specific media ranking model and the general rankingscore from the general media ranking model. For example, the scores areinterpolated to generate a combined ranking score for each candidatemedia item. The plurality of candidate media items are then ranked basedon the combined ranking scores. Further, it should be recognized that insome examples, the general media ranking model is integrated with theuser-specific ranking model. For example, the user-specific rankingmodel is generated using media-related data from a large population ofusers, but adjusted to favor user preferences indicated in user-specificdata.

At block 816, the at least one media item is selected from the pluralityof candidate media items based on the ranking of block 814. For example,the at least one media item includes the highest ranked candidate mediaitem or the highest N ranked candidate media items among the pluralityof candidate media items, wherein N is an integer greater than zero. Theat least one media item obtained at block 806 is the selected at leastone media item of block 816. The selected at least one media item isretrieved from the user-specific corpus of media items (e.g., at mediaservice(s) 120-1) and provided to the user at block 818.

In some examples, the at least one media item is selected based on aninferred degree of familiarity of the user with one or more mediaparameters associated with the at least one media item. For example, thespeech input received at block 802 is “Play me some Michael Jacksonsongs.” In this example, the speech input is determined at block 808 todefine the media parameter {artist}=“Michael Jackson.” Based on thisdetermination, a plurality of candidate Michael Jackson songs areidentified at block 812 from the user-specific corpus of media items.The plurality of candidate Michael Jackson songs are ranked at block 814based on general popularity (e.g., according to the general mediaranking model) and/or based on the user-specific media ranking model. Adegree of familiarity of the user with the artist “Michael Jackson” isdetermined. The determination is made based on user-specific dataassociated with the artist “Michael Jackson.” For example, a high degreeof familiarity of the user with the artist “Michael Jackson” isdetermined based on previous media-related input from the userindicating that the user frequently browses, purchases, listens to,and/or requests songs by Michael Jackson or based on the user's personalmedia library containing a large number of songs by Michael Jackson.Conversely, a low degree of familiarity of the user with the artist“Michael Jackson” is determined based on media-related input from theuser indicating that the user infrequently browses, purchases, listensto, and/or requests songs by Michael Jackson or based on the user'spersonal media library containing very few songs by Michael Jackson. Thesongs selected at block 816 from the plurality of candidate MichaelJackson songs are based on the determined degree of familiarity. Forexample, if the degree of familiarity of the user with the artist“Michael Jackson” is determined to be low, then the most popular or thehighest ranked candidate Michael Jackson songs are selected at block814. In particular, the highest ranked N candidate Michael Jackson songsfrom the plurality of candidate Michael Jackson songs are selected toplay as a playlist. In contrast, if the degree of familiarity of theuser with the artist “Michael Jackson” is determined to be high, then acombination of popular (e.g., higher ranked) and less popular (e.g.,lower ranked) candidate Michael Jackson songs are selected to play as aplaylist. In particular, a greater proportion of less popular candidateMichael Jackson songs is selected based on a higher degree offamiliarity of the user with the artist “Michael Jackson.” This isdesirable because a user who is very familiar with the artist MichaelJackson would likely already be familiar with the most popular MichaelJackson songs. Such a user would enjoy listening to a combination ofMichael Jackson songs that includes popular, highly commercialized songsand less popular, less commercialized (e.g., “deep cuts”) songs. Thus,in this example, the average popularity rating of the Michael Jacksonsongs selected at block 816 is based on the determined degree offamiliarity of the user with the artist “Michael Jackson.”

It should be recognized that in some examples, the degree of familiarityof the user with the one or more media parameters associated with the atleast one media item is directly factored into the user-specific mediaranking model. For ex ant pie, based on a determination that the user isvery familiar with the artist “Michael Jackson,” the user-specific mediaranking model is configured to generate higher ranking scores for someless popular Michael Jackson songs. In this way, the highest ranked Ncandidate Michael Jackson songs include a mix of highly commercializedpopular Michael Jackson songs and lesser known Michael Jackson songs. Inthese examples, the selected at least one media item includes thehighest ranked N candidate Michael Jackson songs.

Although block 806 is described above as being performed using auser-specific corpus of media items, it should be recognized and inother examples, other corpuses of media items can be used in lieu of theuser-specific corpus of media items. For instance, in some examples, theat least one media item is obtained from a general (user-independent)corpus of media items or a corpus of media items generated based on oneor more specific media parameters.

At block 818, the at least one media item is provided. In particular,the at least one media item is provided at the user device. In someexamples, the at least one media item is played at the user device(e.g., using speaker 211). In other examples, the at least one mediaitem is displayed on the user device (e.g., on touchscreen 212) for theuser to view and/or select. In yet other examples, the at least onemedia item is provided in a spoken response to the user (e.g., usingspeaker 211).

With reference back to the example shown in FIG. 9A, the candidatehip-hop media items determined at block 812 are ranked at block 814using the user-specific media ranking model. In particular, thecandidate hip-hop media items are ranked such that the candidate mediaitem “99 Problems” by Jay-Z is highest ranked among the candidatehip-hop media items determined at block 812. Thus, in this example, theat least one media item selected at block 816 includes the media item“99 Problems” by Jay-Z and the media item is played to user 901 on userdevice 903.

With reference now to the example shown in FIG. 10, the “barbecue”candidate media items determined at block 812 is ranked at block 814using the user-specific media ranking model. In this example, thecandidate media item “She Moves in Her Own Way” by The Kooks is thehighest ranked among the candidate media items determined at block 812.Thus, the at least one media item selected at block 816 includes themedia item “She Moves in Her Own Way” by The Kooks and the media item isobtained and played on to user 901 on user device 903. It should berecognized that the selected at least one media item can include othermedia items. For example, the candidate media items “Hot n Cold” by KatyPerry and “Fun Fun Fun” by The Beach Boys are the second and thirdhighest ranked media items among the candidate media items determined atblock 812. The at least one media item selected at block 816 includesthese media items. Thus, in these examples, the media items “Hot n Cold”by Katy Perry and “Fun Fun Fun” by The Beach Boys are played on userdevice after the media item “She Moves in Her Own Way” by The Kooks.

In some examples, process 800 enables the user to provide a follow-uprequest upon providing the at least one media item at block 818. Forexample, the user rejects the at least one media item provided at block818 or request additional information related to the at least, one mediaitem. Blocks 820-826 describe aspects where a follow-up spoken requestfrom the user is received and a response to the follow-up spoken requestis provided.

At block 820, a determination is made as to whether a domaincorresponding to the speech input is one of a plurality of predetermineddomains. In particular, only certain predetermined domains are likely toelicit a follow-up request from the user. Thus, to enhance efficiency,the capability to receive follow-up spoken requests from the user isimplemented only for certain predetermined domains. For example, theplurality of predetermined domains include domains associated with itemshaving a large amount of metadata, such as the “find media items” domainor the “find restaurant” domain. Items having a large amount ofmetadata, such as media items and restaurant items frequently elicitfollow-up requests from users. In response to determining that a domaincorresponding to the speech input, is one of a plurality ofpredetermined domains, audio input is received at block 820 (e.g.,microphone 213 is activated). Conversely, in response to determiningthat a domain corresponding to the speech input is not one of aplurality of predetermined domains, process 800 forgoes receiving audioinput at block 822 (e.g., microphone 213 is not activated).

At block 824, audio input is received. Specifically, the audio input isreceived upon providing the at least one media item at block 818. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 9A, user device 903 begins receivingaudio input via a microphone of user device 903 once the media item “99Problems” by Jay-Z begins playing on user device 903.

At block 826, a determination is made as to whether the audio inputcontains speech. The determination is made while receiving the audioinput. In particular, as audio input is received, the audio input isanalyzed to determine whether it contains acoustic features thatcorrespond to those of speech. In particular, time domain (e.g., zerocrossing rates, short-time energy, spectral energy, or spectralflatness) and/or frequency domain features (e.g., mel-frequency cepstralcoefficients, linear predictive cepstral coefficients, or mel-frequencydiscrete wavelet coefficients) are extracted from the received audioinput and compared to a human speech model to determine the likelihoodthat the audio input contains speech. The audio input is determined tocontain speech if the likelihood is determined to exceed a predeterminedvalue. Conversely, the audio input is determined not to contain speechif the likelihood is less than the predetermined value. In response todetermining that the audio input does not contain speech, process 800ceases to receive audio input at block 828 after a predetermined amountof time. For example, with reference to FIG. 9A, user device 903 ceasesto receive audio input after receiving a predetermined duration of audioinput that is determined not to contain any speech.

In some examples, the predetermined amount of time is based on thedegree of ambient noise detected in the audio input. In particular,block 826 includes determining the amount of ambient noise (e.g.,background noise) in the audio input. The predetermined amount of timein which audio input not containing any speech is received at block 824decreases based on detecting a high degree of ambient noise in the audioinput. For example, if the amplitude of ambient noise in the audio inputis determined not to exceed a predetermined threshold value, process 800ceases to receive audio input at block 828 after a predetermined amountof time (e.g., 7 seconds). However, if the amplitude of ambient noise inthe audio input is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold value,process 800 ceases to receive audio input at block 828 after a secondpredetermined amount of time (e.g., 4 seconds) that is less than thepredetermined amount of time.

In response to determining that the audio input contains speech, block830 is performed. At block 830, a determination is made as to whetherthe speech of the audio input corresponds to a same domain as the speechinput. The determination includes determining the user intentcorresponding to the speech of the audio input. The user intent isdetermined in a similar manner as described above in block 804.Determining the user intent corresponding to the speech of the audioinput, includes determine a domain corresponding to the speech of theaudio input. A determination is then made as to whether the domaincorresponding to the speech of the audio input is the same as the domaincorresponding to the speech input of block 802. In response todetermining that the speech of the audio input does not correspond to asame domain as the speech input, process 800 forgoes providing aresponse to the audio input at block 832. This is desirable to fillerout babble noise. For example, with reference to FIG. 9A, speech input902 corresponds to the “find media items” domain, if audio input isreceived while playing the song “99 Problems” by Jay-Z and the audioinput contains babble noise that is unrelated to finding media items,then the babble noise is determined to be irrelevant to speech input 902and no follow-up response would be provided to the user (block 832).

In response to determining that the speech of the audio inputcorresponds to a same domain as the speech input, block 834 isperformed. At block 834, a response is provided in accordance with theuser intent corresponding to the speech of the audio input. The responseis provided in a similar manner as described above with respect to FIGS.7A-C. In particular, a structured query is generated based on thedetermined user intent corresponding to the speech of the audio input.One or more tasks corresponding to the user intent are then performed inaccordance with the generated structured query. A response is providedbased on the one or more performed tasks.

Blocks 820-834 are further described with reference to the examples ofFIGS. 9A-B and 10. In FIG. 9A, while user device 903 is playing theobtained at least one media item “99 Problems” by Jay -Z (block 818),audio input containing second speech input 904 “Anything but Jay-Z!” isreceived from user 901 (block 824). A user intent corresponding tosecond speech input 904 is determined (block 830). Based on the phrase“Jay-Z” in second speech input 904 and the context of user device 903playing the media item “99 Problems” by Jay-Z, second speech input 904is determined to correspond to the same domain as speech input 902.Specifically, the domain corresponding to speech input 904 is determinedto be the “find media items” domain. Further, a determination is made asto whether second speech input 904 corresponds to a rejection of themedia item “99 Problems.” The determination is made based on the userintent corresponding to second speech input 904. In this example, basedon interpreting the phrase “Anything but” in the context of the mediaitem “99 Problems” being played, it is determined that second speechinput 904 corresponds to the user intent of rejecting the media item “99Problems” and obtaining alternative recommendations for media items. Oneor more tasks corresponding to the user intent are then performed (block834). In particular, in response to determining that the second speechinput corresponds to a rejection of the at least one media item, thecandidate hip-hop media items previously determined and ranked (e.g., atblocks 812 and 814) are re-ranked based on the rejection. The re-rankingis similar to the ranking of block 814, except that unfavorable rankingscores are generated for media items having media parameter{artist}=Jay-Z. For example, the candidate hip-hop media items arere-ranked such that the candidate media item “Tipsy” by J-Kwon is thehighest ranked media item among the candidate hip-hop media itemswhereas the candidate media item “99 Problems” by Jay-Z is one of thelowest ranked media items among the candidate hip-hop media items. Basedon this re-ranking, as shown in FIG. 9B, the media item “Tipsy” byJ-Kwon is obtained and played on user device 903. Furthermore, asdiscussed above, the user-specific media ranking model is continuouslyupdated based on any subsequent speech input received from the user.Thus, in response to determining that the second speech inputcorresponds to a rejection of the at least one media item, theuser-specific media ranking model is updated in accordance with therejection. For example, the user-specific media ranking model is updatedto subsequently generate less favorable ranking score for candidatemedia items having media parameter {artist}=Jay-Z. Thus, digitalassistant would he less likely to recommend media items associated withthe artist Jay-Z when the user subsequently requests to obtainrecommendations for media items.

Referring now to the example of FIG. 10, user 901 provides second speechinput 1004 “When was this released” Specifically, while user device 903plays the media item “She Moves in Her Own Way” by The Kooks, secondspeech input 1004 is received from user 901 (block 824). A user intentcorresponding to second speech input 1004 is determined (block 830).Based on the word “this” in second speech input 1004 and the context ofuser device 903 playing the media item “She Moves in Her Own Way,”second speech input 1004 is determined to correspond to the same domainas speech input 902. Specifically, the domain corresponding to speechinput 904 is determined to be the “find media items” domain. Further, inthis example, based on interpreting the words “this” and “released” inthe context of the media item “She Moves in Her Own Way,” being played,it is determined (block 830) that second speech input 904 corresponds tothe user intent of obtaining the release date associated with the mediaitem “She Moves in Her Own Way.” In response to this determination, oneor more tasks corresponding to the user intent is performed (block 834).In particular, the release date of the song “She Moves in Her Own Way”is retrieved (e.g., from media service(s) 120-1) and provided to theuser (block 834). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, spoken response 1006is provided at user device 903 to user 901 in accordance with thedetermined user intent. Specifically, spoken response 1006 indicatesthat the release date of the song “She Moves in Her Own Way” Is “June2006.” In some examples, the release data is additionally oralternatively displayed on user device 903 in response to second speechinput 1004.

Returning back to block 804, in response to determining that the speechinput of block 802 does not correspond to the user intent of obtainingpersonalized recommendations for media items, block 836 of FIG. 8C isperformed. At block 836, a determination is made as to whether thespeech input of block 802 corresponds to the user intent of obtainingmedia items having a recent release date. As discussed above, the userintent corresponding to the speech input is determined at block 804. Thedetermination of block 836 is based on the actionable intent nodeselected in the ontology (e.g., ontology 760). If the selected node hasa corresponding actionable intent of obtaining media items having arecent release date, then the speech input is determined to correspondto the user intent of obtaining media items having a recent releasedate. Conversely, if the node has a corresponding actionable intentother than obtaining media items having a recent release date, then thespeech input is determined to not correspond to the user intent ofobtaining media items having a recent release date.

In some examples, determining whether the speech input corresponds tothe user intent of obtaining media items having a recent release dateincludes determining whether the speech input includes one or more of asecond plurality of predetermined phrases. In particular, the actionableintent node corresponding to the user intent of obtaining media itemshaving a recent release date is associated with the second plurality ofpredetermined phrases. The second plurality of predetermined phrases arestored in a vocabulary index (vocabulary index 744) in association withthe actionable intent node that corresponds to the user intent, ofobtaining media items. The second plurality of predetermined phrasesinclude phrases, such as, “new music,” “recently released,” “latestreleases,” “just came out,” or the like. Based on the speech input ofblock 802 containing one or more of the second plurality ofpredetermined phrases, the speech input is mapped to the actionableintent node that corresponds to the user intent of obtaining media itemshaving a recent release date. Thus, the speech input of block 802 isdetermined to correspond to the user intent of obtaining media itemshaving a recent release date. For example, with reference to FIG. 11,speech input 1102 “Hey Siri, play me some pop music that just came out”is received from user 901. Based on speech input 1102 containing thephrase “just came out,” the actionable intent node corresponding to theuser intent of obtaining media items having a recent release date isselected. Thus, speech input 1102 is determined to correspond to theuser intent of obtaining media items having a recent release date.

In response to determining that the speech input corresponds to the userintent of obtaining media items having a recent release date, block 838is performed. Conversely, in response to determining that the speechinput does not correspond to the user intent of obtaining media itemshaving a recent release date, process 800 forgoes performing block 838.For example, as shown in FIG. 8C, process 800 ends in response todetermining that the speech input does not correspond to the user intentof obtaining media items having a recent release date.

At block 838, at least one second media item from a second corpus ofmedia items is obtained. Block 838 is similar to block 806, except (hatblock 838 is performed using the second corpus of media items ratherthan the user-specific corpus of media items. Further, block 838includes blocks similar to blocks 808-816, except again that the blocksare performed with respect to the second corpus of media items ratherthan the user-specific corpus of media items. The second corpus of mediaitems is, for example, a general corpus of media items that is generatedbased on the release date of media items. In particular, each media itemin the second corpus of media items has a release date that is within apredetermined time range of a current date. For example, the secondcorpus of media items includes only media items having a release datethat is within three months of the current date. In some examples, thesecond corpus of media items is generated based on other factors, suchas the popularity of each media item.

At block 840, the at least one second media item is provided. Block 840is similar to block 818. In particular, the at least one second mediaitem is provided at the user device. In some examples, the at least onemedia item is played at the user device. In other examples, the at leastone media item is displayed on the user device (e.g., on touchscreen 212) for the user to view and/or select. In yet other examples, the atleast one media item is provided in a spoken response to the user.

Blocks 838-840 are further described with reference to FIG. 11. Forexample, in response to determining that speech input 1102 correspondsto the user intent of obtaining media items having a recent releasedate, the digital assistant implemented on user device 903 obtains atleast one second media item from a second corpus of media items. Thesecond corpus of media items contain only media items having a releasedate that is within three months of the current date. In the presentexample, if the current date is Jun. 1, 2016, then each media item inthe second corpus of media items has a release date that is not earlierthan Mar. 1, 2016. Thus, the at least one second media item obtainedfrom the second corpus of media items also has a release data that isnot earlier than Mar. 1, 2016. In this example, the at least one secondmedia item includes the song “Dangerous Woman” by Ariana Grande, whichhas a release date of Mar. 11, 2016. As shown, the song “DangerousWoman” is obtained (e.g., from media service(s) 120-1) and played onuser device 903 in response to speech input 1102.

5. Other Electronic Devices

FIG. 12 Shows a functional block diagram of electronic device 1200configured in accordance with the principles of the various describedexamples. The functional blocks of the device are optionally implementedby hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and soft ware tocarry out the principles of the various described examples. It isunderstood by persons of skill in the art that the functional blocksdescribed in FIG. 12 are optionally combined or separated intosub-blocks to implement the principles of the various describedexamples. Therefore, the description herein optionally supports anypossible combination, separation, or further definition of thefunctional blocks described herein.

As shown in FIG. 12, electronic device 1200 includes touch screendisplay unit 1202 configured to display a graphical user interface andto receive touch input from the user, audio input unit 1204 configuredto receive audio input (e.g., speech input), speaker unit 1205configured to output audio (e.g., speech and/or media content), andcommunication unit 1206 configured to transmit and receive information.Electronic device 1200 further includes processing unit 1208 coupled totouch screen display unit 1202, audio input unit 1204, and communicationunit 1206. In some examples, processing unit 1208 includes receivingunit 1210, determining unit 1212, obtaining unit 1214, providing unit1216, ranking unit 1218, updating unit 1220, ceasing unit 1222, forgoingunit 1224, and selecting unit 1226.

In accordance with some embodiments, processing unit 1208 is configuredto receive (e.g., with receiving unit 1210 and via audio input unit1204) from a user, speech input (e.g., speech input of block 802)representing a request for one or more media items. Processing unit 1208is further configured to determine (e.g. with determining unit 1212)whether the speech input corresponds to a user intent of obtainingpersonalized recommendations for media items (e.g., block 804).Processing unit 1208 is further configured to, in response todetermining that the speech input corresponds to a user intent ofobtaining personalized recommendations for media items, obtain (e.g.,with obtaining unit 1214) at least one media item (e.g., at least onemedia item of block 806) from a user-specific corpus of media items. Theuser-specific corpus of media items (e.g., user-specific corpus of mediaitems of block 806) is generated based on data associated with the user.Processing unit 1208 is further configured to provide (e.g., withproviding unit and using touch screen display unit 1202 and/or speakerunit 1205) the at least one media item (e.g., block 818).

In some examples, determining whether the speech input corresponds to auser intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for media itemscomprises determining whether a number of parameters defined in thespeech input is less than a threshold number (e.g., block 804).

In some examples, determining whether the speech input corresponds to auser intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for media itemscomprises determining whether the speech input includes one of aplurality of phrases corresponding to the user intent of obtainingpersonalized recommendations for media (e.g., block 804).

In some examples, determining whether the speech input corresponds to auser intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for mediacomprises determining whether the speech input refers to the user (e.g.,block 804).

In some examples, the user-specific corpus of media items (e.g.,user-specific corpus of media items of block 806) is generated based onmedia items previously selected or requested by the user.

In some examples, the user-specific corpus of media items is generatedbased on media items previously rejected by the user (e.g., block 806).

In some examples, the user-specific corpus of media items is generatedbased on a personal library of media items associated with the user(e.g., block 806).

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured to rank(e.g., with ranking unit 1218) a plurality of candidate media items fromthe user-specific corpus of media items using a user-specific mediaranking model (e.g., block 814). The user-specific media ranking modelis generated based on a plurality of previous media-related requestsfrom the user. Obtaining the at least one media item includes selectingthe at least one media item from the plurality of candidate media itemsbased on the ranking (e.g., block 816).

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured to, receive(e.g., with receiving unit 1210 and via audio input unit 1204) from theuser, a second speech input. Processing unit 1208 is further configuredto determine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) whether the secondspeech input corresponds to a rejection of the at least one media item.Processing unit 1208 is further configured to, in response todetermining that the second speech input corresponds to a rejection ofthe at least one media item, update (e.g., with updating unit 1220) theuser-specific media ranking model in accordance with the rejection,

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured to re-rank(e.g., with ranking unit 1218) the plurality of candidate media itemsfrom the user-specific corpus of media items based on the rejection ofthe at least one media item. Processing unit 1208 is further configuredto select (e.g., with selecting unit 1226) at least one second mediaitem from the plurality of candidate media items based on there-ranking.

In some examples, the plurality of candidate media items are rankedbased on a popularity rating of each media item of the plurality ofcandidate media items (e.g., block 814).

In some examples, each media item in the user-specific corpus of mediaitems includes metadata that indicates an activity associated with themedia item. The activity is associated with the media item based on amusic tempo of the media item.

In some examples, each media item in the user-specific corpus of mediaitems includes metadata that indicates a mood associated with the mediaitem. The mood is associated with the media item based on a music key ofthe media item.

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured todetermine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) whether the speech inputdefines an occasion associated with a time period (e.g., block 804).Processing unit 1208 is further configured to, in response todetermining that the speech input defines an occasion associated with atime period, obtain (e.g., with obtaining unit 1214) the at least onemedia item based the occasion, wherein the at least one media itemincludes metadata indicating the occasion (e.g., block 806).

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured todetermine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) whether the speech inputdefines an editorial list associated with a media establishment (e.g.,block 804). Processing unit 1208 is further configured to, in responseto determining that the speech input defines an editorial listassociated with a media establishment, obtain (e.g., with obtainingunit) the at least one media item based on the editorial list associatedwith the media establishment (e.g., block 806). The at least one mediaitem includes metadata indicating the editorial list associated with themedia establishment.

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured todetermine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) whether the speech inputdefines a mood (e.g., block 804). Processing unit 1208 is furtherconfigured to, in response to determining that the speech input definesa mood, obtain (e.g., with obtaining unit 1214) the at least one mediaitem based on the mood, where the at least one media item includesmetadata indicating the mood (e.g., block 806).

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured todetermine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) whether the speech inputdefines an activity (e.g., block 804). Processing unit 1208 is furtherconfigured to, in response to determining that the speech input definesan activity, obtain (e.g., with obtaining unit 1214) the at least onemedia item based on the activity, wherein the at least one media itemincludes metadata indicating the activity (e.g., block 806).

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured todetermine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) whether the speech inputdefines a time period (e.g., block 804). Processing unit 1208 is furtherconfigured to, in response to determining that the speech input definesa time period, determine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) whether thespeech input defines a genre in association with the time period.Processing unit 1208 is further configured to, in response todetermining that the speech input defines a genre in association withthe time period, determine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) a subgenrebased on the time period and the genre. The at least one media item isobtained based on the subgenre, and the at least one media item includesmetadata indicating the subgenre (e.g., block 806).

In some examples, the speech input defines a category of media items andobtaining the at least one media item includes obtaining a plurality ofmedia items associated with the category of media items. Processing unit1208 is further configured to determine (e.g., with determining unit1212) a degree of familiarity of the user with the category of mediaitems (e.g., degree of familiarity of block 816). An average popularityrating of the plurality of media items is based on the degree offamiliarity of the user with the category of media items.

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured todetermine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) an identity of the user byperforming speaker identification using the speech input. Processingunit 1208 is further configured to, based on the determined identity ofthe user, determine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) the user-specificcorpus of media items from a plurality of user-specific corpuses ofmedia items.

In some examples, obtaining the at least one media item comprisessending an encrypted token to a remote server. The encrypted tokencontains user identification information. The encrypted token isrequired to access the user-specific corpus of media items via theremote server.

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured todetermine (e.g., with determining unit 1212 ) whether a domain (e.g.,domain of block 820) corresponding to the speech input is one of aplurality of predetermined domains. Processing unit 1208 is furtherconfigured to, in response to determining that a domain corresponding tothe speech input is one of a plurality of predetermined domains, receive(e.g., with receiving unit 1210 and via audio input unit 1204) audioinput (e.g., audio input of block 824) upon providing the at least onemedia item. Processing unit 1208 is further configured to determine(e.g., with determining unit 1212) whether the audio input containsspeech (e.g., block 826). Processing unit 1208 is further configured to,in response to determining that the audio input does not contain speech,cease (e.g., with ceasing unit 1222) to receive audio input after apredetermined amount of time (e.g., block 828).

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured to, inresponse to determining that the audio input contains speech, determine(e.g., with determining unit 1212) whether the speech of the audio inputcorresponds to a same domain as the speech input (e.g., block 830).Processing unit 1208 is further configured to, in response todetermining that the speech of the audio input corresponds to a samedomain as the speech input, determine (e.g., with determining unit 1212)a user intent (e.g., user intent of block 820) corresponding to thespeech of the audio input. Processing unit 1208 is further configured toprovide (with providing unit 1216) a response (e.g., response of block834) to the audio input in accordance with the user intent correspondingto the speech of the audio input.

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured to, inresponse to determining that the speech of the audio input does notcorrespond to a same domain as the speech input, forgo (e.g., withforgoing unit 1224) providing a response to the audio input (e.g., block832).

In some examples, the predetermined amount of time is based on a degreeof ambient noise detected in the audio input.

In some examples, providing the at least one media item comprisesplaying a media item. Processing unit 1208 is further configured to,while playing the media item, receive (e.g., with receiving unit 1210and via audio input unit 1204) a third speech input (e.g., speech inputin audio input of block 824). Processing unit 1208 is further configuredto, based on the playing media item and the third speech input,determine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) a user intent (e.g., userintent of block 820) that corresponds to the third speech input.Processing unit 1208 is further configured to, provide (e.g., withproviding unit 1216) a response (e.g., response of block 834) inaccordance with the user intent that corresponds to the third speechinput.

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured to, inresponse to determining that the speech input does not correspond to auser intent of obtaining personalized recommendations for media items,determine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) whether the speech inputcorresponds to a user intent of obtaining media items having a recentrelease date (e.g., block 836). Processing unit 1208 is furtherconfigured to, in response to determining that the speech inputcorresponds to a user intent of obtaining media items having a recentrelease date, obtain (e.g., with obtaining unit 1214) at least onesecond media item (e.g., at least one second media item of block 838)from a second corpus of media items. Each media item in the secondcorpus of media items has a release date that is within a predeterminedtime range of a current date. Processing unit 1208 is further configuredto provide (e.g., with providing unit 1216) the at least one secondmedia item (e.g., block 840).

In some examples, determining whether the speech input corresponds to auser intent of obtaining media items having a recent release datecomprises determining whether the speech input includes one of a secondplurality of phrases corresponding to the user intent of obtaining mediaitems having a recent release date (e.g., block 836).

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured todetermine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) a political preferenceassociated with the user (e.g., block 814). The determining is based onprevious media items requested or consumed by the user. The at least onemedia item is obtained based on the determined political preference.

In some examples, processing unit 1208 is further configured todetermine (e.g., with determining unit 1212) a technical proficiencyassociated with the user (e.g., block 814). The determining is based onprevious media items requested or consumed by the user. The at least onemedia item is obtained based on the determined technical proficiency.

The operations described above with reference to FIGS. 8A-C areoptionally implemented by components depicted in FIGS. 1-4, 6A-B, and7A-C. For example, the operations of process 800 may be implemented byone or more of operating system 718, applications module 724, I/Oprocessing module 728, STT processing module 730, natural languageprocessing module 732, vocabulary index 744, task flow processing module736, service processing module 738, media service(s) 120-1, orprocessor(s) 220, 410, 704. It would be clear to a person havingordinary skill in the art how other processes are implemented based onthe components depicted in FIGS. 1-4, 6A-B, and 7A-C.

In accordance with some implementations, a computer-readable storagemedium (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium) isprovided, the computer-readable storage medium storing one or moreprograms for execution by one or more processors of an electronicdevice, the one or more programs including instructions for performingany of the methods or processes described herein.

In accordance with some implementations, an electronic device (e.g., aportable electronic device) is provided that comprises means forperforming any of the methods or processes described herein.

In accordance with some implementations, an electronic device (e.g., aportable electronic device) is provided that comprises a processing unitconfigured to perform any of the methods or processes described herein.

In accordance with some implementations, an electronic device (e.g., aportable electronic device) is provided that comprises one or moreprocessors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by theone or more processors, the one or more programs including instructionsfor performing any of the methods or processes described herein.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the techniques and their practical applications. Othersskilled in the art are thereby enabled to best utilize the techniquesand various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

Although the disclosure and examples have been fully described withreference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that variouschanges and modifications will become apparent, to those skilled in theart. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as beingincluded within the scope of the disclosure and examples as defined bythe claims.

As described above, one aspect of the present technology is thegathering and use of data available from various sources to improve thedelivery to users of invitational content or any other content that maybe of interest to them. The present disclosure contemplates that in someinstances, this gathered data may include personal information data thatuniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specificperson. Such personal information data can include demographic data,location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, home addresses,or any other identifying information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personalinformation data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefitof users. For example, the personal information data can be used todeliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user.Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables calculatedcontrol of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personalinformation data that benefit the user are also contemplated by thepresent disclosure.

The present disclosure further contemplates that the entitiesresponsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage,or other use of such personal information data will comply withwell-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. Inparticular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacypolicies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting orexceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personalinformation data private and secure. For example, personal informationfrom users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of theentity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further,such collection should occur only after receiving the informed consentof the users. Additionally, such entities would take any needed stepsfor safeguarding and securing access to such personal information dataand ensuring that others with access to the personal information dataadhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entitiescan subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify theiradherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplatesembodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to,personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplatesthat hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent orblock access to such personal information data. For example, in the caseof advertisement delivery services, the present technology can beconfigured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” ofparticipation in the collection of personal information data duringregistration for services. In another example, users can select not toprovide location information for targeted content delivery services. Inyet another example, users can select to not provide precise locationinformation, but permit the transfer of location zone information.

Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use ofpersonal information data to implement one or more various disclosedembodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the variousembodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing suchpersonal information data. That is, the various embodiments of thepresent technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all ora portion of such personal information data. For example, content, canbe selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based onnon-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personalinformation, such as the content being requested by the deviceassociated with a user, other non-personal information available to thecontent delivery services, or publically available information.

1. (canceled)
 2. A non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumstoring one or more programs, the one or more programs comprisinginstructions, which when executed by one or more processors of anelectronic device, cause the electronic device to: receive, from a user,speech input representing a request for one or more media items;determine whether the speech input corresponds to a user intent ofobtaining personalized recommendations for media items by evaluating atext representation of the speech input against a set of rulesassociated with one or more actionable intent nodes; in accordance witha determination that the text representation satisfies the set of rules:obtain at least one media item from a user-specific corpus of mediaitems, the user-specific corpus of media items generated according toinferred media preferences of the user, and provide the at least onemedia item from the user-specific corpus of media items.
 3. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 2, whereinevaluating the text representation of the speech input against the setof rules further comprises determining whether a number of parametersdefined in the text representation is less than a threshold number. 4.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 2, whereinevaluating the text representation of the speech input against the setof rules further comprises determining whether the text representationincludes one of a plurality of phrases corresponding to the user intentof obtaining personalized recommendations for media items.
 5. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein theinstructions further cause the one or more processors to: in accordancewith the determination that the text representation satisfies the set ofrules: rank a plurality of candidate media items from the user-specificcorpus of media items using a user-specific media ranking model, theuser-specific media ranking model generated based on a plurality ofprevious media-related requests from the user, wherein obtaining the atleast one media item from the user-specific corpus of media itemsincludes selecting the at least one media item from the plurality ofcandidate media items based on the ranking.
 6. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein each media item inthe user-specific corpus of media items includes metadata that indicatesan activity associated with the media item, and wherein the activity isassociated with the media item based on a music tempo of the media item.7. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 2,wherein each media item in the user-specific corpus of media itemsincludes metadata that indicates a mood associated with the media item,and wherein the mood is associated with the media item based on a musickey of the media item.
 8. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 2, wherein the instructions further cause the one ormore processors to: determine whether the text representation defines anoccasion associated with a time period; and in accordance with thedetermination that the text representation satisfies the set of rulesand that the text representation defines an occasion associated with atime period, obtain the at least one media item from the user-specificcorpus of media items based the occasion, wherein the at least one mediaitem from the user-specific corpus of media items includes metadataindicating the occasion.
 9. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 2, wherein the instructions further cause the one ormore processors to: determine whether the text representation defines aneditorial list associated with a media establishment; and in accordancewith the determination that the text representation satisfies the set ofrules and that the text representation defines an editorial listassociated with a media establishment, obtain the at least one mediaitem from the user-specific corpus of media items based on the editoriallist associated with the media establishment, wherein the at least onemedia item from the user-specific corpus of media items includesmetadata indicating the editorial list associated with the mediaestablishment.
 10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof claim 2, wherein the instructions further cause the one or moreprocessors to: determine whether the text representation defines a mood;and in accordance with the determination that the text representationsatisfies the set of rules and that the text representation defines amood, obtain the at least one media item from the user-specific corpusof media items based on the mood, wherein the at least one media itemfrom the user-specific corpus of media items includes metadataindicating the mood.
 11. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 2, wherein the instructions further cause the one ormore processors to: determine whether the text representation defines anactivity; and in accordance with the determination that the textrepresentation satisfies the set of rules and that the textrepresentation defines an activity, obtain the at least one media itemfrom the user-specific corpus of media items based on the activity,wherein the at least one media item from the user-specific corpus ofmedia items includes metadata indicating the activity.
 12. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein theinstructions further cause the one or more processors to: determinewhether the text representation defines a time period: in response todetermining that the text representation defines a time period,determine whether the text representation defines a genre in associationwith the time period; and in response to determining that the textrepresentation defines a genre in association with the time period,determine a subgenre based on the time period and the genre, wherein inaccordance with the determination that the text representation satisfiesthe set of rules, the at least one media item is obtained from theuser-specific corpus of media items based on the subgenre, and whereinthe at least one media item from the user-specific corpus of media itemsincludes metadata indicating the subgenre.
 13. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein the textrepresentation defines a category of media items, and wherein theinstructions further cause the one or more processors to: in accordancewith the determination that the text representation satisfies the set ofrules, obtain the at least one media item from the user-specific corpusof media items includes obtaining a plurality of media items associatedwith the category of media items; and determine a degree of familiarityof the user with the category of media items, wherein an averagepopularity rating of the plurality of media items is based on the degreeof familiarity of the user with the category of media items.
 14. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein theinstructions further cause the one or more processors to: determine anidentity of the user by performing speaker identification using thespeech input; and in accordance with the determination that the textrepresentation satisfies the set of rules, determine, based on thedetermined identity of the user, the user-specific corpus of media itemsfrom a plurality of user-specific corpuses of media items.
 15. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein inaccordance with the determination that the text representation satisfiesthe set of rules, obtaining the at least one media item from theuser-specific corpus of media items comprises sending an encrypted tokento a remote server, the encrypted token containing user identificationinformation, and wherein the encrypted token is required to access theuser-specific corpus of media items via the remote server.
 16. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein theinstructions further cause the one or more processors to: determinewhether the one or more actionable intent nodes include at least one ofa plurality of predetermined actionable intent nodes, in accordance withthe determination that the text representation satisfies the set ofrules and that the one or more actionable intent nodes include at leastone of a plurality of predetermined actionable intent nodes: uponproviding the at least one media item from the user-specific corpus ofmedia items, receive audio input; determine whether the audio inputcontains speech; and in response to determining that the audio inputdoes not contain speech, cease to receive audio input after apredetermined amount of time.
 17. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium of claim 2, wherein the instructions further cause theone or more processors to: in response to determining that the audioinput contains speech: determine whether the speech of the audio inputcorresponds to a same actionable intent node as the determinedactionable intent node, in response to determining that the speech ofthe audio input corresponds to a same actionable intent node as thedetermined actionable intent node: determine a user intent correspondingto the speech of the audio input; and provide a response to the audioinput in accordance with the user intent corresponding to the speech ofthe audio input.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof claim 2, wherein the instructions further cause the one or moreprocessors to: in accordance with the determination that the textrepresentation satisfies the set of rules, provide the at least onemedia item from the user-specific corpus of media items comprisesplaying a media item of the at least one media item from theuser-specific corpus of media items; and while playing the media item,receiving a third speech input; determine, based on the playing mediaitem and the third speech input, a user intent corresponding to thethird speech input; and provide a response in accordance with the userintent that corresponds to the third speech input.
 19. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein theinstructions further cause the one or more processors to: in accordancewith a determination that the text representation does not satisfy theset of rules: obtain at least one media item from a general corpus ofmedia items, the general corpus of media items generated according toinferred media preferences of a plurality of users; and provide the atleast one media item from the general corpus of media items.
 20. Anelectronic device, comprising: one or more processors; a memory; and oneor more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in thememory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, theone or more programs including instructions for: receiving, from a user,speech input representing a request for one or more media items;determining whether the speech input corresponds to a user intent ofobtaining personalized recommendations for media items by evaluating atext representation of the speech input against a set of rulesassociated with one or more actionable intent nodes; in accordance witha determination that the text representation satisfies the set of rules:obtaining at least one media item from a user-specific corpus of mediaitems, the user-specific corpus of media items generated according toinferred media preferences of the user; and providing the at least onemedia item from the user-specific corpus of media items.
 21. A methodfor operating a digital assistant to explore media items, comprising: atan electronic device with one or more processors and memory: receiving,from a user, speech input representing a request for one or more mediaitems; determining whether the speech input corresponds to a user intentof obtaining personalized recommendations for media items by evaluatinga text representation of the speech input against a set of rulesassociated with one or more actionable intent nodes; in accordance witha determination that the text representation satisfies the set of rules:obtaining at least one media item from a user-specific corpus of mediaitems, the user-specific corpus of media items generated according toinferred media preferences of the user; and providing the at least onemedia item from the user-specific corpus of media items.